SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVIN’ IS EASY, with apologies to George Gershwin. Just step into a cool air-conditioned theatre and get a good rush of entertaining respite. Tittilation, relaxation and a good rush of adrenaline filled action and High school Disney kiddie and Monster films, along with porn-like films such as BRUNO, HUMPDAY, HUNG will be yours for the high price of a ticket. Enjoy, if you can for now, and we’ll wait till fall for the more adult movies to come our way.
Out now to fill those emotions are: JULIE & JULIA with Meryl Strep playing Julia Child, and beautifully, I might say, along with Amy Adams as she captures the Queen of the French culinary world.. I also saw funny man Larry David capturing Woody Allen as no one can in WHATEVER WORKS. Pictures I also enjoyed were:
FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN, an Irish political thriller with stirring performances by Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt; WEATHER GIRL has producer Tricia O’Kelley in the lead as her biological clock is ticking loudly; FLAME & CITRON is a World War II thriller of two legendary Danish patriots, Flame & Citron, who work undercover when Copenhagen is occupied by Nazi forces.
TWO MORE THAT I’VE SEEN ARE: PAPER HEART, a documentary about a love skeptic who embarks on a cross country journey to interview people on love. And, TAKING WOODSTOCK, directed by Ang Lee, which takes us back forty years to reveal how the history-making musical event concert came about. Demetri Martin, who played the pivotal role, is a comer. Watch for him. A film that I’m looking forward to seing soon is INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino--- another World War II epic in Nazi-occupied France. Brad Pitt stars as a group of American Jewish soldiers are picked to spread fear throughout the Third Reich with acts of retribution against the Nazis.
Enough movies? Now, read on for what’s around in the theatuh:
WE ARE SO LUCKY here in L.A. to have such good theatre in the smaller equity-waiver houses and the larger venues. Especially now that summer is here and open-air fare such as The Hollywood Bowl with amazing performances for all ages, The Greek Theatre as well. The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum does spectacular work, particularly Shakespearian, often adding stylish updates.
THE MAIN TREAT FOR ME WAS SEEING & HEARING TOPOL (again) in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. He stars as Tevye the milkman in the farewell touring company. Chaim Topol has performed this role more than 2500 times in the past 40 years. His magnificent voice still holds up. The entire cast, especially Susan Cella, who plays Golde, Tevye’s wife, is extraordinary. Just a few days left to rush to the Pantages Theater in Hollywood to see FIDDLER twice, if you’ve already seen it there. By the way, following FIDDLER, is the charming LEGALLY BLONDE , the musical, opening at the Pantages August 12. I really can’t wait to see this adorable play.
THE PASADENA PLAYHOUSE has been playing CROWNS featuring a stage set with beautiful hanging hats for different moods, from a pillbox to an Aretha Franklin bird cage. Regina Taylor’s CROWNS celebrates African American women and their proud tradition of hats, especially in church. Lots of cultural studies, evangelical preaching, lots of music, including gospel and lots of fun. Remember Paula Kelly? She’s great as she teaches her non-believing granddaughter about tradition and hat finery. Charming theatre. Coming the end of this month is THE NIGHT IS A CHILD starring Jo-Beth Williams, bringing us the cultural pulse of the samba and Brazil. It’s to be directed by Sheldon Epps. Should be terrific.
TRY NOT TO MISS MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT. It’s hilarious. I saw it in New York and I laugh just thinking about it. At the Ahmanson Theatre, downtown.
ANOTHER marvelous musical, LOUIS & KEELY LIVE AT THE SAHARA is here, live in Westwood, at the Geffen Playhouse until the 30th. See it! Coming next month is MATHEW MODINE SAVES THE ALPACAS, the world premiere of a rollicking satire that parodies celebrity humanitarianism. Sounds like fun.
OUR SMALLER STAGES: Exquisite theatre to be found here: The Fountain always does fine shows and the current COMING HOME, Athol Fugard’s sensitive story deals with change. Set in South Africa 2005 where Veronica (Deidrie Henry) returns to her grandfather’s farm and her village after ten years of pursuing a career, determined to give her young son a new and better life. A tear or two was shed at this achingly beautiful story exposing contemporary life in South Africa. Wonderfully acted and beautifully directed by Stephen Sachs.
THE ODYSSEY in West L.A. also does excellent works under the tutelage of artistic director Ron Sossi. BACH AT LEIPZIG is a hilarious period farce as seven rival musicians compete to fill the most sought after musical post in Europe.
JULIA MIGENES, the beautiful opera star with the most magnificent voice, stars in FRANZ SCHUBERT: HIS LETTERS & MUSIC revealing the genius of the Austrian composer through his songs and writings. She is assisted by actor Jeff Marlow as Schubert and pianist Victoria Kirsch. Marvelous show.
A CHARMING LITTLE THEATRE is at the Santa Monica Airport, The Ruskin Group Theatre, Now playing, MUTINY AT PORT CHICAGO, a powerful true event that took place in 1944 when a catastrophic explosion in northern California destroyed an entire town and two ships. Fifty survivors (Navy men) were imprisoned for mutiny. Incredible performances and story.
A NOISE WITHIN, the wonderful production company housed in Glendale is moving to a new and beautiful Pasadena venue in 2010. While still at their own Glendale home, at 234 Brand Blvd., they are presenting Shakespeare’s RICHARD THE III, followed by CRIME & PUNISHMENT and NOISES OFF. Good luck!
GOOD THEATRE is also seen at the Pacific Resident in Venice. You just have a short time to see Bertolt Brecht’s comedy SAINT JOAN OF THE SLAUGHTERHOUSES, unless it’s extended again. It’s about a naïve social worker’s attempts to bring down a meat-packing titan.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE: Two wonderful plays I’ve seen: 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS at the Colony in Burbank. At the piano with very fresh repartee are talented Roy Abramsohn and Jeffrey Rockwell portraying the originators Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt.: TEN CENT NIGHT, at the Victory Theatre in Burbank, was a delightful night of original theatre. After a famous country singer shoots himself dead, his musician daughter heads for home. With a guitar case full of stolen cash and a penchant for finding trouble, Roby returns home. (Tara Buck is great). Action takes place on the Texas porch. It’s great as is Maria Gobetti’s direction.
ANXIOUSLY AWAITING the opening of BREAKING AND ENTERING, Colin Mitchell’s intriguing mystery at Theatre 40 on the campus of Beverly Hills High School.
Whew! That was a lot of info. More coming next month.
Until then, adios & adieu. xoxo Harriette
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
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