Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
In the center of our world-famous Hollywood, hidden as a pearl in the shell, there is a theatre on the corner of Santa Monica and North Oxford Ave., called JAXX Theatricals. What a precious pearl that little theatre is!
When I first discovered and walked into their foyer a few months ago, I did not expect anything special. Little did I know what a huge surprise awaited me there. The very first show I saw was Cabaret, which totally blew me away. The experience was electrifying; all the great songs and dancing numbers superseded each other with such exuberance and energy. I felt like walking away from the show on Broadway. This exhilarating experience stayed with me, and I am sure with many theatregoers’ memories as well.
The theatre space is very small, with a sitting capacity of less than 99 seats, but what has been created in that little space is beyond magic. Enthusiastic, complicated dance numbers that involved around 28+ performers were done there with ease. Pretty amazing! This ensemble belongs in a spacious theatre where their creativity can take leaps and shine in full capacity.
Their new thrilling delectable show, ‘Once Upon a One More Time’, where children’s fairy tales tap into the parody, and the major new changes are taking place in the story of Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty. They all get a rewrite and redefine “happily ever after.” The show exposes to younger generations the origins of the women’s movement from the early sixties by the constant mentioning of Betty Friedan and is powered by the chart-topping hits of Britney Spears, the Princess of Pop with a book by Jon Harmere. Twenty-three of Britney Spears’ smash hits—like “Crazy,” “Oops!…I Did It Again,” “Circus,” “Lucky,” and “Toxic”— weave into “a big, modern, musical dance party, with Britney’s beating heart at its core.” (ABC News) Once Upon a One More Time is a modern day Into the Woods and a jukebox musical fantasy come true!
Once Upon a One More Time on Broadway on June 22, 2023, and ran for 83 performances closing on September 3, 2023. Jaxx’s producing team saw the show on Broadway and recognized its potential as a post-Broadway camp classic.
The production stars talented actors/dancers/singers; Cinderella is portrayed by Kara Marie, Emilia Vial is Snow White, Sophia Marie Rizzo is the Stepmother, Brian Whisenant* (Narrator) and Marque Figueroa is Prince Charming. Their powerful acting, singing and dancing crafts were delightful. Eva Haimovich as Princess Pea, Jordyn Campanella as Sleeping Beauty, Keyanna Cardenas as Rapunzel, Rachel Logan as Little Mermaid, Jocelyn Barkenhagen and KiSea Katikka as the evil stepsisters, and JD Morabito as Prince Erudite.
AEA* Cast Members include Jill Marie Burke* (Stepmother), Michelle Hakala Wolf* (O.F.G), Jeremy Lucas* (Clumsy), who always stands out in whatever he does and is a joy to watch. Princes include Stephen Gregg, Alexander Miller, Jeremiah Taylor, Jacob Walters. Princesses include, Anna Gagliardo and Jenni Nicole Brown Understudies: Amare Perkins, Ellis Meng, Maria Puig, Sophia Marie Rizzo & Stephan Schmidt and Hann Crews And adorable little actress Golden Lewis as a Little Girl is already shining with her acting skills and so freely and comfortably gives us her lines. What a delicious treat this performance is. Bravo to the entire cast!
Directed by Jaxx’s newly appointed Producing Director, Colin Tracy, the show is produced by Co-Executive Producer/Artistic Director Jeremy Lucas, Co-executive Producer/Managing Director JD Morabito. James Lent is Music Director, and the Choreographers are Kasmira Buchanan and Viktor Simon. Imaginative direction uses the space fantastically. Set Design by Colin Tracy, Sound Design by Geo Polk, Lighting Design by Atticus Jones, and Stage Manager is Mario Underhill. Orchestrations are by James Olmstead and Matt Stine. Arrangements are by Nadia DiGiallonardo. Sophia Marie Rizzo is Assistant Director and Sandra Kuker PR handles publicity.
In its 19th Anniversary season, JAXX Theatricals is also an award winning non-profit theatre company and arts education organization founded in 2006 by Justin Baldwin, Mark Espinosa and Jeremy Lucas. The Jaxx Conservatory is a performing arts program for students who are serious about taking their craft to the next level. Jaxx is committed to creating professional quality entertainment for today’s audience. Jaxx keeps dance front and center as the “other” integral way to move the plot along, communicate, have fun, exercise and tell stories through movement and choreography which further compliments the music and story.
Judging by my own experience, I believe not enough people know about JAXX Theatricals and the excellent work they do.
Once Upon a One More Time opens October 24 and runs thru November 1, 2025, at Jaxx Theatre, 5432 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029. (Parking: 1110 N. Western Ave). Last preview is on October 23. Performances are on Thursday, Friday and Saturday @ 8PM and on Sundays @ 7PM.
Tickets can be purchased at www.Showclix.com/Event/Jaxx-Britney
For Additional information contact Admin@JaxxTheatricals.org
www.JaxxTheatricals.org or text 609.323.JAXX (5299)