From left: James Hayden Rodriguez (Ken) and Rob Nagle (Rothko) in "Red" at Laguna Playhouse (Photo by Jason Niedle) What do artists talk about when they talk about art? That is the subject of John Logan’s play “Red,” assuredly directed by J. Scott Lapp at the Laguna Playhouse through June 28. Specifically, middle-aged artist Mark Rothko (Rob Nagle) talks to his young assistant Ken (James Hayden Rodriguez) about art (mostly his own), philosophy, myth and the color red. The fir

From left: Jose Eduardo Moreno (Damon) and Michael Dukakis (Nick) in "Punish Me" at Hollywood Fringe Festival 2026 Written by Michael Dukakis based on true events, “Punish Me” at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival and performing at the Hudson Backstage Theatre, is about narcissism and manipulation with high stakes for the protagonist. The set resembles a modest Los Angeles apartment, providing just enough detail to establish the world without distracting from the story. Th

“Playback” by Jessica Fisher at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival is about a woman who shares negative information about her ex-boyfriend during a podcast and the controversy that ensues. Set design is lovely, simple and gives the production exactly what it needs to tell this story, with four mics, two blue solo couches, one long orange couch sitting on top of a rug and a minibar on the left-hand side from the audience’s point of view. The design feels clean and intention