Thespian Thoughts – The Manor – Theatre Review by Sandro Monetti

THE MANOR – “It’s Downton Abbey meets Dynasty”
Theatre Reviews by SANDRO MONETTI

One of the best things you could do in Los Angeles this summer would be to take in this unique and unforgettable theatrical experience.

Staged at the spectacular Greystone Mansion where a real life murder mystery shook Beverly Hills in the 1920s, The Manor recreates those events as the audience moves from room to room with the actors as witnesses to the unfolding drama.

It was in February 1929 that oil tycoon’s son Ned Doheny was shot dead in the Tudor-style mansion, not long after his father was involved in a huge political scandal. The play, performed in an entertaining Downton Abbey meets Dynasty style, speculates what
might have happened while changing the family name from Doheny to McAllister to allow for artistic license.

If there’s one thing that will distract you from looking at the elegant interiors and stunning views of the city from the windows, it’s the stunning performances of the actors – all 12 of whom seem inspired by their surroundings and the weight of living history to be on the very top of their game.

How often do you get the chance to stroll through a beautiful old mansion or see a truly intriguing play? Here you can do both
things at once. So get yourself to The Manor.

The Manor
A Theatre 40 of Beverly Hills Production

Written by Katherine Bates

Directed by Flora Plumb

At Greystone Mansion, 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210

Performs at 6pm on July 17, 18, 24, 25. August 7, 8 and 15 and at 1pm on July 26, August 9 and 16.

Tickets $55

For reservations call 310-694-6118

CAST:
Darby Hinton
Mark Rimer
Kathrine Bates, John-Paul Lavoisier, Ben Gavin, Jaymes Wheeler,
Shelby Kocee, Annalee Scott, Daniel Leslie, Melanie MacQueen, Sarah Van Der
Pol, Martin Thompson, Daniel Lench, Nina Borisoff, Esther Levy Richman.

CREW:
Producers – Kathrine Bates and David Hunt Stafford
Stage Manager – Don Solosan
Sound Designer – Marc Olevin
Sound Reinforcement – Bill Froggatt
Box Office & Front of House – Susan Mermet
Publicist – Philip Sokoloff

Photo of Sandro Monetti by Dawn Bowery from the book California Dreaming: Brits in LA Book

Thespian Thoughts is a theatre review article on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production.