Selected Directing Quotes
Assassins by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman (LA Premiere)
“A Crackerjack staging by the Los Angeles Repertory Company” – Los Angeles Times
“… Director Peter Ellenstein allows the stark grace of
Sondheim and Weidman’s words and music to own the stage.” – LA Weekly
“Stunning LA premiere production, the performances universally suit the writing…
Peter Ellenstein’s direction masterfully utilizes Sondheim & Weidman’s
wealth of dramatic irony without lapsing into irreverent satire…” – Backstage West
“Director Peter Ellenstein and choreographer Kay Cole evocatively
stage each scene… their work is particularly effective.” – Daily News
“Peter Ellenstein’s presentation of Stephen Sondheim’s dark-humored
musical is brutally ironic – but it’s also one of the most intense, satirical,
intelligent, and entertaining shows ever to examine the dark side
of the American dream… Ellenstein’s blocking
is ingenious and witty.” -- LA Reader
“Assassins is a Slam Bang production… the most
entertaining news you’re likely to hear this year.” -- Los Angeles Magazine
King Lear by William Shakespeare
“A handsome Los Angeles Repertory Company revival delivers
an insightful production that achieves grandeur…
director Peter Ellenstein’s well paced staging honors the all
important text, especially in giving proper weight to the play’s
most theatrically resonant words… Ellenstein renders the journey
with admirable clarity at each step.” – Los Angeles Times
“There is a refreshing simplicity to Peter Ellenstein’s spartan
staging… the emphasis here isn’t on flashy stagecraft or elaborate
sets, but on the actors, who rather deserve the attention… an energy
and craft that are simply infectious” – LA Weekly
The Last 5 Years by Jason Robert Brown
“Shrewdly guided by director Peter Ellenstein”
- San Diego Union-Tribune
“the unique perspective creates a whole new bittersweet
feeling throughout, culminating with a surprisingly touching final moment nicely staged by Director Peter Ellenstein.”
- San Diego Playbill
Dos Corazones by Richard Hellesen
“Poignantly directed by Peter Ellenstein,
profoundly performed…” – Los Angeles Times
“Director Peter Ellenstein’s work with both women showers
their characters with the compassion such a story demands,
making “Dos Corazones” the linchpin of this festival.”
– Orange County Register
“A tender portrait with luminous performances
skillfully directed by Peter Ellenstein.” -- LA Weekly
Rocket to the Moon by Clifford Odets
“This production, directed by Peter Ellenstein, makes Odets play
about dreams and middle-aged romance seem as relevant today as
in 1938… the play literally crackles like
a rocket to the moon.” – Los Angeles Times
“Peter Ellenstein’s direction propels the three-act play along
its seamless and smooth flight by creating a visceral sense of
the outside world despite its office setting… The acting is exemplary…
this Rocket to the Moon soars with stellar intensity.” - Drama-Logue
“Ellenstein’s direction is impeccable as the action never lags.” -- The Tolucan
“a first class revival, Rocket to the Moon still works when it
is done well, and it most assuredly is here.” -- Tom Hattan, KNX News Radio
Touched: The Last 2,000 Heartbeats of William Inge
by Marcia Cebulska
“I haven't stopped thinking about "Touched" since I saw
it Friday night. It is deeply moving and deserves
a wider audience…” - Topeka Capitol Journal
"What [Cebulska] and Ellenstein have come up with
goes light years beyond a didactic show-and-tell
for the classroom... great depth of feeling...
with a deftness and sureness
that makes such legardemain look easy. ...a veritable
tour-de-force of acting virtuousity." -- Daily Reporter
Gathering Blue
adapted by Richard Hellesen,
Michael Silversher & Joy Sikorski
"Please avail yourself of the rare opportunity to see the birth of a wonderful new musical – not just for kids but for parents and grandparents as well... I encourage you to attend this outstanding musical and theatrical event for the entire family.
-- Daily Reporter
“It’s an incredible show… I won't even attempt to
describe it here but the performance of The Singer, wearing the robe, at The Gathering, is breathtakingly staged; the reactionof the audience (which included me) was palpable---we were all stunned, I think”
-- Lois Lowry
double Newbury Award-winner,
-
author of best-selling novel,
-
"The Giver" & “Gathering Blue
Stuart Little
adapted from E.B. White,
by Joseph Robinette & Ronna Frank
...delightful production avoids getting too preachy by focusing on the performers. Director Peter Ellenstein has gathered an enormously talented group of 13 young people and emphasized sincere interpretations of the characters... He also cleverly plays with perspective... -- The Boston Globe
I was impressed, delighted, enthralled and enchanted. I knew of the story, having read to book to my sons many years ago. The talented actors and creative team of BCT made the story leap off of the page and into the hearts of the audience members. -- The White Rhino Report
