Harold and Maude at Lonny Chapman Group Repertory Theatre

Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended

"...It has been decades since I saw, or even thought about, the classic 1971 movie Harold and Maude starring Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon. Do you remember it? It's the black comedy directed by Hal Ashby about a deadpanned death-obsessed 20-year-old who has an emotional and romantic bond with a fun-loving 80-year-old eccentric, whom he met at a funeral. I honestly didn't know what to expect from this staged version produced by The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theater in North Hollywood. Well, there's a good reason that this company, headed by Artist Director Doug Haverty, is celebrating its 5oth anniversary this year. Largely due to impeccable casting, this production was terrific."

On Stage Los Angeles - Recommended

"...Larry's take on this odd play features no attempt at a realistic setting. It is very impressive. The use of projections and a couple of cute stage hands who double as suitors for Harold and moving 'men' are welcome and funny. This preamble is to suggest that for locals who appreciate the sincerity of local community theatre, patrons will 'get it' that this work is really for them.. That said, please head to The Group for a treat."

NoHoArtsDistrict - Highly Recommended

"...The lovelies at the Group Rep have made a habit out of staging adaptations of iconic movies. A tricky thing to do well, but they seem to have perfected it and their Harold and Maude is yet another success in a long line of their brilliant and memorable movie versions."

Stage Raw - Highly Recommended

"...Harold and Maude, the 1971 dark comedy film that was commercially and critically unsuccessful when first released but eventually attracted a cult following, is now an adapted stage play (by Colin Higgins, author of both) being presented at the Lonny Chapman Theatre. In this Group Rep production, the unlikely romance between a morose 19-year-old man and a delightfully eccentric 80-year-old is more comedy than dark, but it is terrifically funny and, ultimately, poignant."

Glamgical - Highly Recommended

"...Director Larry Eisenberg gives new life to this story written more than fifty years ago. His work with the actors elevates the play to another level. The combination of dark humor and philosophical questioning is masterfully displayed on stage both in dialogue and action. Just like the story itself, the presence of young and experienced thespians is a poignant revitalization of the controversial topic of age-gap relationships. The use of projectors is an inventive way to recreate some of the most memorable scenes in the movie."