Broadway in New York City got hit hard as the current recession is keeping theater fans from attending performances. Who can blame them? Even for culture devotees, $100 or more per a ticket can seem like a spurious expense when times are tough. The good news is that quality performances are still available at reasonable prices. One such example is a theatrical showcase of up and coming writing and acting talent in Los Angeles. The show is called "Leads & Misfits" and is playing three shows on May 12th (already past), 19th, and 20th - for just $10 per a ticket.

So why see it? A lot of good reasons. This is not old-style boring theater. Think of it as acting for the attention deficit generation. 21 scenes are packed into an hour and half, and the show includes 19 up-and-coming actors with 8 additional writers. The scenes are edgy and amusing. Take for example a parody of CSI Miami done in a comical Shakespearean style. The showcase includes diverse talent from New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Included in the price are also wine and hors d'oeurves. A pretty good deal for a night of culture and rising talent in a past-faced, fun to follow performance. Best of all, you can experience culture in LA without the traditional cost associated with it.

May 19th and 20th shows are at 8pm at the Lyric Theater at 520 La Brea Ave in Los Angeles. For tickets, reservations or inquires, please contact leadsandmisfits@gmail.com.

On LA Weekly here.