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.

‘Red Sparrow’ Not Your Typical Spy Film and That’s a Very Good Thing

First off, Jennifer Lawrence is absolutely mesmerizing in this film. She plays Dominika Egorova a prima ballerina with the Bolshoi Ballet who is forced to turn spy when an on-stage ‘collision’ ends her career. ‘Red Sparrow,’ which is tightly directed … Continue reading

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‘A Night With Janis Joplin’ Is Coming To The Saban Theatre and I Can’t Wait To See It

Janis Joplin was one of the greatest blues singers of our time. Her husky, earthy and explosive voice, still to this day has one of the most recognizable sounds that has the power to move you both emotionally and physically. … Continue reading

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‘Black Panther’ Is In One Word A Masterpiece

‘Black Panther’ written by Joe Robert Cole and Ryan Coogler (who also brilliantly directed the film based on Stan Lee’s and Jack Kirby’s Marvel comics character of the same name) is absolutely hands down one of the best and most … Continue reading

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‘Pizza Man’ A Very Funny, Relevant and Extremely Well Acted Theatre Experience

‘Pizza Man’ written by Darlene Craviotto is the second production I’ve seen by the Pop Up Theater and once again they did not disappoint. The POP UP THEATER  was founded in 2014 by a group of extremely talented thespians who … Continue reading

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‘The Manor: Murder and Madness at Greystone’ – A Trip Back In Time Definitely Worth Taking

This is the second time I’ve seen The Manor: Murder and Madness at Greystone and it is still an absolutely thrilling, beautifully done play that takes place at the magnificent Greystone Manor in Beverly Hills. The play is now in … Continue reading

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‘Cabaret’ Soars at La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts

I saw “Cabaret” years ago on Broadway with the late Natasha Richardson, and then again in 2014 with Michelle Williams. This is one of my favorite musicals and I was really looking forward to seeing it at La Mirada Theatre … Continue reading

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‘The Shape of Water’ Guillermo del Toro’s Magical Fairy Tale About True Love

This is truly one of the most unique love stories you will ever see. It’s also one that is absolutely beautiful and mesmerizing, and once again shows us the genius of  Guillermo del Toro (Pans Labyrith). Sally Hawkins brilliantly plays … Continue reading

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‘The Post’ Stephen Spielberg’s Brilliant, Thrilling Film About the Fight To Protect The First Amendment

When I saw the film ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri” I left the theatre saying, “This is definitely the best film of 2017,” but now that I’ve seen Spielberg’s “The Post” I think it’s definitely a tie. The year is … Continue reading

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‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ Takes Us On A Fantastic Trip Proving The Force is Definitely Still With Us

I saw this film yesterday at the Disney Studios where the audience consisted of press and guests. It was more than obvious that expectations were high, very high, and from the loud applause as the credit rolled, no one was disappointed. … Continue reading

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‘Caught’ at Think Tank Gallery – A Truly Amazing Immersive Theatre Experience

I don’t want to say too much about this incredible, original theatrical piece or I’ll spoil the fun — and great fun it is. It’s also like no other theatre experience I’ve ever had. The award-winning Firefly Theater & Films, … Continue reading

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