Listing Review – Preserving History

In 2025, Theatre 40 proudly presents the world premiere of filmmaker/author Russell Brown’s first play, LISTING. The recipient of multiple national and international awards for directing, writing, acting, and editing, Brown now turns to the stage for inspiration. Directed by Tom Lazarus and produced by David Hunt Stafford, LISTING treads the fine line between passion, ethics, and the law in this exciting thriller.

Mark Stancato and Tack Sappington – Photo by Kristin Stancato

The time weaves between the 1920s and the present; and the place is “The Grace House,” a fictional modernist home in the Silver Lake district of Los Angeles. Raymond (Mark Stancato) studied architecture and is now a real estate agent with a passion for historic preservation. He feels blessed when the owner of one of Los Angeles’ architecturally significant homes asks him to handle the sale of her modernist masterpiece, a home which she has lovingly preserved for years with a passion usually reserved for lovers. Little does Raymond realize that his heartfelt promise to make sure that this treasure remains in the hands of a true lover of historic architecture, an owner who will preserve this perfect example of modernist design for future generations, may result in catastrophic changes to his own life. Raymond must carefully vet each of the applicants for this home – and weed out those who plan tear the house down or make major renovations – but soon discovers that the house may have an agenda of its own. 

Sherrick O’Quinn and Nakasha Norwood – Photo by Kristin Stancato

Skillfully helmed by Lazarus, LISTING is a well-written and well-performed piece which slowly but surely builds up suspense until the gripping, eerie final scene. Kudos to the 13 actors who keep the fascinating tale moving along in what might have been a rather intellectual foray into preservation and instead morphed into a story which proved intriguing and involving. Actors in LISTING included (alphabetically) Katyana Rocker-Cook, Michael Gabiano, Mouchette van Helsdingen, Idielis Hernandez, Bradley James Holzer, Michele McGregor, Nakasha Norwood, Sherrick O’Quinn, Ian Riegler, Tack Sappington, Anibal Silveyra, Mark Stancato, and Tamir Yardenne, each offering a specific piece to the puzzle. And let’s not forget the main character – the house itself.

Ian Riegler and Michele McGregor – Photo by Kristin Stancato

Jeff G. Rack’s set design was an excellent and authentic backdrop to the story which spanned almost 100 years. Michael Mullen’s costumes helped define each era. Nick Foran’s lighting and sound were important factors in keeping the account rolling along. LISTING is a must-see Theatre 40 production which will prove stimulating, thought-provoking, and entertaining. A few moments with the talented playwright after the show revealed an individual who is clearly passionate about historic preservation and managed to funnel his own excitement about the topic into the development of LISTING.

Bradley James Holzer, Katyana Rocker-Cook, and Michael Gabiano – Photo by Kristin Stancato

LISTING runs through February 16, 2025, with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Theatre 40 performs at the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre on the campus of Beverly Hills High School, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. Tickets are $35. For information and reservations, call 310-364-0535 or go online.