Magic up close

Magic Up Close – Jonathan Levit and George Tovar

One of the shows that we had lined up for this season before we had to postpone everything was Magic Up Close. This is one of my favorite shows that we produce. Changing the Nakano Theatre into a very intimate performance area, we bring in magicians to present a full length presentation of magic up…

Imported Bride Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation

Imported Bride

Back in May 2015, we produced a new play written by Jane Yeh. Imported Bride is an original comedy set in Los Angeles in the 1990s at the “Scholars Restaurant” in Chinatown, where everyone — from the owner to the wait staff — holds a master’s or doctorate degree. Since we are unable to bring…

Brenda way interview

Choreographer and Founder of ODC Dance: Brenda Way

As I am fond of saying… “I appreciate dance, but I don’t always understand it.” So, I thought I would chat with someone who might help to understand this often underappreciated art form. Brenda Way received her early training at the School of American Ballet and Ballet Arts in New York City. She is the…

tommy chong interview

TOCA Backstage – Tommy Chong

The TOCA Backstage podcast has been a way for us to share some insight on the artists that are will be performing on our stages. Now, with the Convid-19 issues and the remaining shows in our season being postponed, I reached out to friends to see if they knew of anyone that might be interesting…

TOCA Backstage – Kelly Freemon Craig

When it was decided that we wouldn’t be able to bring you interviews of the artists in our season due to the postponement of shows, I reached out to a number of people that I thought would be interesting to speak with. Kelly Freemon Craig, award winning film director and screenwriter was gracious enough to…

TOCA dinner and a show

Performing Arts In Your Home

A Night Out Without Leaving Your House As we are all staying home and practicing our social distancing, we may be missing the nights out with family or great friends, wonderful food and drink, and to see an amazing live performance. Thanks to modern technology and some forward thinking restaurants, you can now have a…

The Sultry Songstress, Sydney Raneé

  Click here to get front row seats to hear Sydney Raneé on April 3rd or 4th at 7:30 pm!   Sydney Raneé, a singer, songwriter and producer from the LA music scene, knew from an early age that she was meant to be on stage. According to her mom, she was singing since before…

Sister Is Back, and Taking on Easter!

  Dust off your rosaries and learn about Easter from Sister on March 28, 2020, at 2:00 & 8:00 pm!   Whether or not you attended Catholic school or catechism classes, you’re probably familiar with the imposing figure of the teacher nun. Dressed in a freshly-pressed habit, gazing sternly from the front of the class,…