Magnum Opus Theatre Presents

First let me say that I'm usually a comedy-drama kind of guy where characters are real and one believes in the emotional truth of those characters. Thus, I'm not automatically into skit humor UNLESS there's a particular cleverness or intelligence or an imaginative theatricality to the staging / performance of that broad humor. Magnum Opus Theatre DOES have those qualities... this is my fourth show I've seen of theirs and again I guffawed through most of it. First of all, they have a high concept that works: take horribly written utterly amateurish unsolicited screenplays and then perform them with a mix of seriousness and clowning (sometimes amazingly simultaneously) live on stage. Word for word, including typos, screen directions and pa... full review

This was at least the 3rd time I've seen the Magnum Opus opus 'Star-Crossed Lovers', and yet I laughed uproariously as if I were still a fresh-faced Magnum Virgin. This long-running series is one of my favorites in L.A., and it doesn't really matter which screenplay they do or which cast members are around -- Thursty is the ultimate ringleader and brings the unmatchable Magnum Magic every single goddamn time! ... full review

Once again Thursty and the gang pull off the incredible feat of translating a terrible script into a hilarious night of theater. This is the third show I've seen from them and they never stop being creative and clever. Wanna laugh? Skip The Groudlings or the comedy clubs and go see Magnus Opus Players. And tell Thursty I sad hello.... full review

I cannot remember the last time I laughed so hard at the theatre. The idea behind the show is so clever and it is so exceptionally performed and executed. The comedic abilities of the actors are unsurpassed. I cannot wait to see their next production. ... full review

Great direction by Joe Jordon and precise comedic timing from the actors made Star Crossed Love a must see show. Heather Schmidt took you by the hand and led you into a world of laughter and pain - she is a gem.... full review

Oh Magnum Opus Players, how you astound. I think perhaps your mission statement is askew, of though you purport to re-enact the least desired screenplays in history, this performance of Star Crossed Lovers must surely represent a hidden gem of the lost classics of Hollywood. The cast was riveting in each and every case and but especially the you ingenue Amber, portrayed by the ever amusing Heather Schmidt. But LO, stealing each scene she graced was the venerable C.J. Merriman, not even the thick prosthetics and can upon can of Aquanet™ could hide her beauty. I do not wish to spoil any details of the intricate, twisting plot (like a windsock at the airport) but sufficed to say it's a real nail biter! Will she? Did she? Can she? Has she? The f... full review

I had so much fun at this show!... full review

Truly HILARIOUS! The script is just...I...can't... The cast is brilliant and spot on! Do yourself a favor and run to catch this before it's gone!... full review

I wish I could experience this level of funny every night!... full review

Pretty close to non-stop laughs as the cast takes the best of the worst in discarded screenplays and makes them pure comedy gold. Monica Greene, Aviva Pressman and Colin Willkie are stand-outs taking their absurd characters to the best of insane heights. I'll be seeing the next Magnum Opus shows at Fringe next year! ... full review