Theatre Review: 'Superior Donuts' at The Geffen

When you think of LA adventures, most of us think of Hollywood, the movies, TV, and of course, celebrities (reality and otherwise). Rarely do we think of theatre. And even more rarely do we think of great theatre. Last night was definitely the exception (and maybe some day, the new LA rule).

Superior Donuts, a new play by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Tracy Letts, debuted (in previews) at the wonderful Geffen Theatre in Westwood.

There's something about Westwood, hugged by the UCLA campus, that has a completely different feel from anywhere in LA. It's quaint, filled with college students and home of the Geffen. 

We started with a private reception (hosted by Promax) in the adjacent room to the theatre. It was a perfect setting, an open-aired room with a patio and fountain. We sat outside on this balmy evening sipping wine and eating hors d'oeuvres before heading to the play. They even had a three-tiered display of donuts. It was actually National Donuts Day.

When we walked into the theatre, immediately I was transported to another place. A Chicago diner/donut shop stuck in a time warp. They even had an "L" train bridge overhead. I couldn't wait to meet the characters. (I swear I could even smell the coffee and pastries).

Gary Cole was perfection as Arthur, the old hippie/shop owner lost in his own time warp. When young college student, hipster, Franco (Edi Gathegi) comes through the diner door, it was clear a big change was about to happen. Gathegi's performance was pure magic, leaving me on the edge of my seat at every changing second. If that wasn't enough, scenes were peppered with trains going by overhead and the rest of the cast popping in with their powerful, distinctive performances.

I won't tell you the rest (and there is so much more). You just have to experience it.

Superior Donuts is an LA adventure, a "Chicago" play not to be missed.

Adventure Tip: Think out of the LA box. Go to the theatre! Especially "Superior Donuts."