The Los Angeles premiere of Mike Daisey’s highly controversial The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs, adapted and performed by Alex Lyras, will extend through June 5 at Theatre Asylum in Hollywood.
The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs examines the controversy of globalization through the rise and fall and resurrection of Apple, illuminating how Apple’s former CEO and his obsessions shape our lives. It follows the trail all the way to China to investigate the factories where millions toil to make iPhones and iPads, shining a light on the very human price we pay for our high-tech toys. After it was discovered by NPR’s Ira Glass that Daisy had embellished, for dramatic effect, certain events related as fact, the author revised and updated the material and released his script into the public domain. “Version 2.0,” adapted and performed by Lyras, packs an even more powerful punch.
“In the capable hands of Alex Lyras, the L.A. premiere is handled both dramatically and with humor… I highly recommend this,” wrote Sarah Spitz (former KCRW producer, “Left, Right and Center” and “Which Way L.A.”) in the Santa Monica Daily Press. “Will enlighten you [and] make you think… Alex is a joy to watch,” agreed Rose Desena in the Los Angeles Post. Examiner.com’s Andrea Kittelson said, “Informative and engaging… Alex Lyras is charismatic, authentic and empathic,” and the LA Weekly’s Bill Raden called Lyras’ performance “fascinating.”Critical Mob found that “Performed deftly by Alex Lyras… [Steve Jobs is] truly captivating, funny and thought provoking.”
The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs continues through June 5, with performances on Wednesdays at 8 pm on April 10; May 15, 22 and 29; and June 5 (dark on April 17 and 24 and on May 1 and 8). There will be one Sunday performance, on April 28 at 7 pm. General admission is$20.00; full-time students with ID and seniors are $15. Theatre Asylum is located at 6320 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90038 (1½ blocks west of Vine). For reservations and information, call (800) 838-3006 or go to http://agonyecstasy.brownpapertickets.com.
