Author Archives: Joan Alperin

Joan Alperin

About Joan Alperin

Joan was born in Brooklyn and spent many years working as an actress in New York City. Even though she traveled extensively, Joan couldn't imagine living anywhere else.. Well one day, she met someone at a party who regaled her with stories about living in L. A. specifically Topanga Canyon. A few weeks later she found herself on an airplane bound for Los Angeles. Joan immediately fell in love with the town and has been living here for the last twenty years and yes, she even made it to Topanga Canyon, where she now resides, surrounded by nature, deer, owls and all kinds of extraordinary alien creatures.. Joan continued acting, but for the last several years (besides reviewing plays and film) she has been writing screenplays. Joan was married to a filmmaker who created the cult classic films, (way before she knew him) Faces of Death. As a result of his huge following, they created a funny movie review show entitled Two Jews on Film, where Joan and her husband, John would review movies and rate them with bagels You can see their reviews by going to youtube.com/twojewsonfilm. Although it's now only one Jew - Joan is occasionally joined by her beautiful Pekingnese and Japanese Chin.

‘Arrival & Departure’ Theatre at its Best

“Arrival & Departure” is an exquisitely acted, deeply moving, must-see play written by award-winning playwright, director, producer and co-artistic director of the Fountain Theatre Stephen Sachs. The story is based on the 1945 British film, “Brief Encounter,” which was based … Continue reading

Posted in Theater | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

‘Beauty And The Beast’ At The Fred Kavli Theatre Is Absolutely Stunning On Every Level

Everything about this production is perfection, especially the appearance of Broadway’s original “Belle,” the incredible Susan Egan, who reprises her role for one last time. “Beauty And The Beast,” for those of you unfamiliar with its origins, is a musical … Continue reading

Posted in Theater | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

‘Mutt House’ The World Premiere Musical at Kirk Douglas Theatre That Will Have You Dancing & Smiling In Your Seats

My friends tend to call me a “crazy dog person,” and they are absolutely correct. Well, maybe not about the crazy part, but I absolutely love dogs. In fact, I cannot pass a dog on the street without petting it, … Continue reading

Posted in Theater | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Reggae On the Mountain – A Perfect Way to Celebrate Music & Summer

Even before I moved to Topanga Canyon some five years ago, I would always make it a point to attend the annual Reggae On The Mountain Festival. Besides being a nature paradise, Topanga is bursting with musical history. This festival, … Continue reading

Posted in Music, Upcoming Events | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

‘Sweet Charity’ Brings Back the Reprise Company–and it’s Only the Beginning of the Fun

Reprise is back and now christened Reprise 2.0. The company, which presents musicals that are either lesser known or rarely revived locally, is producing a three-show season at its former home, UCLA’S Freud Playhouse in West Los Angeles The inaugural … Continue reading

Posted in Theater | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Humans: The Tony Award-Winning Drama about the Things that Keep us Human Now Playing at The Ahmanson

“Humans,” written by Stephen Karam, opened off-Broadway in New York City in 2015 and then moved to Broadway in 2016. The play won a Tony Award for Best Play and was a finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Price. After seeing … Continue reading

Posted in Theater | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is Not Worth the Price of Admission

*SPOILER ALERT* “Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom,” directed by J. A. Bayon and written badly by Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly, takes place three years after the events of the previous film. The Jurassic World theme park on Isla Nublar has … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Goldenvoice Presents Arroyo Seco Weekend: A Music Extravaganza You Won’t Want to Miss

The 2-day Arroyo Seco food and music festival made its debut just last year, but it is already one of the hottest events in Southern California. Goldenvoice is the same team that is behind Coachella and the FYF Festival, so … Continue reading

Posted in Events, Food, Music, Upcoming Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

‘Parade’ A Powerful Musical Still Timely After All These Years

“Parade” opened on Broadway in 1998 and won several Tony Awards including Best Book and Best Original Score, as well as six Drama Desk Awards. The musical was co-conceived and directed by the late Harold Prince. The music and lyrics … Continue reading

Posted in Theater | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Eddie Money, Dave Mason, Chambers Bros and More at the Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Festival This Weekend.

I absolutely love Cajun and Blues music so I was so excited to know that some of the best performers in these categories will be playing this Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27, 2018, from 10 … Continue reading

Posted in Events, Food | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment