Kentwood Players

Great little Community theater, with high-​quality productions. The current offering of A Raisin in the Sun is fabulously acted and directed, worthy of a standing ovation. Hidden gem on the Westside for theater goers.

A terrific neighborhood playhouse then & now! As a kid growing up in Westchester during the 50’s & early 60’s, mom trying to bring a bit of culture to the family would drag my dad, little brother & me to see plays there from time to time! I didn’t appreciate it at the time, however looking back I wish I could thank her for that. Went back last year for the 1^st time in some 53 years to see a play and had a wonderful time!

I have seen many shows here and all have entertained me and kept me wanting to come back. My boyfriend did a show here, which is how I was first exposed to this theatre. Both of us have a career in theatre, which is to say, I am not easy to please when it comes to a theatrical experience.
Firstly, as to complaints about the temperature: the temperature onstage, under the heat of the stage lights combined with the heavier costumes the actors are wearing is much higher than the temperature in the audience. Actors can, and have, fainted from the heat or suffered even worse complications. Yes, it can get a bit cold when you are dressed for summer and then come inside. Just be prepared and bring a jacket. Turning down the air is not worth the risk to the actors!
The second thing to keep in mind is that no two shows are the same. Each show has a different director, different designers, and different actors. So don’t expect the same quality of show each time. Though Kentwood (the theatre company who presents the shows seen here) works hard for a professional quality show, some will be better than others. They do have a smaller stage and audience, but they also use the space well rather than relying on a grander stage to work for them. Sometimes their lesser known productions are the better ones, although they also present well known classics and modern favourites on a frequent basis.
I would recommend looking up a review online for the specific show you want to see here. Or talking to someone who has seen the show if you can. They create public Facebook events for all of their shows, so start there for more information.
I have never had a problem with the location of the theatre, or felt like it was in a dangerous area. I have often been here quite late after shows or rehearsals and never seen anything to cause alarm. It is in a more industrial area, and not surrounded by cute shops or restaurants, but that doesn’t make it a bad area.
This is literally the oldest theatre company in the Los Angeles area, it’s over 60 years old, and I would recommend that everyone see at least one show here. Everyone that works there truly enjoys their jobs and it carries over into the experience. It’s a night of theatre presented by theatre lovers.

Great little local community theatre that puts on great shows and showcases the best local talent. Highly recommend!

Today I saw the second performance of Written In The Stars — hilarious, well-​acted, wonderfully directed… I can’t stop praising this show. I’ve seen many of the kids’ shows over the last seven or eight years: this is the best yet Funny script, amazing choreography, lively and FUNNY — during the extended chase scene I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes.
MUST see this. Don’t miss it!

This place is OLD school to the tenth degree. It is literally on the, almost, wrong side of the track, which makes it a little thrilling to live on the edge and watch a local show. It got 3 starts for the place not the show. It is in need of some serious investments… can we say bathrooms, roof, paint job, and so on. The show was amazingly fun and light. I was thankful for the air conditioner that went on mid performance. Would only hit this place up again if I personally knew someone in the show or there was a kid performance.

I’ve seen some really amazing performances here. It’s a really good venue that showcases local talent. The theater itself is small and cozy, it offers an intimate feeling.
FYI– Sunday shows seem to be favored by the older crowd, so the line for the women’s restroom winds into the lobby (as there are only 2 stalls).

I highly recommend that you see this beautifully staged and acted production of «Dracula». You will be transported to another world where the darkness is something you should be frightened of. The expert thespians, featured in this classic, gothic tale of romance and horror, all delivered well-​developed character performances. From the dramatic music and lighting, to the period costumes, detailed sets, and the first-​rate directing– The Westchester Playhouse presents a memorable and fun theatrical experience. WARNING: Watch out for lurking vampires after the show!

I love Kentwood Players! I currently have season tickets to this small community theater located on the far east side of Westchester. Excellent selection of plays, amazing talent & low ticket prices. Highly recommended.

The Kentwood Players are performing «GYPSY». The performance is excellent — very talented ensemble. It’s the theater that made our experience a frigid one.
The Westchester Playhouse was wayyy to cold. Seven of us attended a matinée performance. The temperature was in the 60s and the air conditioning was blowing down on us. At intermission, we asked the management to turn off the blowers and lower the A/​C. The answer: not possible because the performers needed the theater to be cold! If they keep that up, they’ll be performing to an empty house!
Don’t go unless you bring a very warm coat and a scarf for your head.
We will never go there again!