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.

‘The Last Five Years’ A Beautiful Intimate Musical Love Story

I’ve seen ‘The Last Five Years‘ written by the incredibly talented, Jason Robert Brown, three times during the past several years. That’s how much I love this two character musical. But I have to say, out of all the productions … Continue reading

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‘The Manor’ Travel Back In Time With This Amazing Cast & Equally Amazing Production

‘The Manor’ is by now a Los Angeles/Beverly Hills institution. This brilliant play is in its fifteenth year and definitely on my must see list. The production takes place inside the beautiful Greystone Mansion built in 1928 and is  the … Continue reading

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“Hidden Figures” – The Inspiring Story of Three Brilliant Women Who Helped Launch the First Man into Space

I loved “Hidden Figures” so much that I saw it twice, and I’d probably see it again. It is one of the most inspiring, touching films I’ve seen in a long time. It’s also a film that reminds us about … Continue reading

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“Amelie,” An Enchanting Musical About A Very Magical Girl

I never saw the five-time Oscar-nominated film “Amelie,” so I had no idea what to expect as I sat down at the Ahmanson Theatre, waiting for the show to begin.  And all I can say is that I experienced so much more … Continue reading

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“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” Takes Us On A Trip Back To Before

Once upon a time far far away in another galaxy, Star Wars was born. Well, it wasn’t really another galaxy where it was born, but that’s where the action takes place. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is part one of … Continue reading

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“La La Land,” A Brilliant, Musical, Magical Journey Through Love

When I saw “Whiplash,” I knew I was seeing the birth of a brilliant director and now with Damien Chazelle’s latest film, “La La Land,” he more than proves I was right. This film is not only a beautiful homage to the … Continue reading

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‘Rules Don’t Apply’ Warren Beatty As Howard Hughes Brings Alive Old Hollywood

Warren Beatty has wanted to do this film for decades and he finally has. I have to say it was definitely worth the wait. ‘Rules Don’t Apply’ written and directed by Beatty is absolutely wonderful. The year is 1958. A … Continue reading

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‘The Play About The Baby’ Edward Albee’s Brilliant, Dark, Comic Fable

There are so many things to say about the Tony and Pulitzer Prize Award winner, Edward Albee. Brilliant, insightful, witty and genius are just four words that come to mind. Albee just  happens to be one of my favorite playwrights. His … Continue reading

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‘Waiting for Grace’ A Very Funny Look At Love & Marriage

Grace (Sharon Sharth) wants desperately to get married.  She believes that marriage equals happiness. It doesn’t matter that  Sharon is a successful New York actor but without a husband and a baby she feels her life in incomplete. We watch … Continue reading

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‘Nocturnal Animals’ Tom Ford’s Visually Stunning Film Noir Thriller

‘Nocturnal Animals’ is a psychological thriller written and directed by Tom Ford. Ford has made only one other film a few years back, entitled ‘The Single Man’. He comes from the world of fashion, so it’s no wonder that both … Continue reading

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