ON TO THE STAGE: So much going on. Firstly, the “Under the Stars” venues have been lovely because our nighttime weather had been cooperating. The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum continues to give us wonderful theatre. Ellen Geer starred as the world-renowned opera diva Maria Callas in Terrence McNally’s MASTER CLASS.
Lots went on all over besides our Hollywood Bowl. The Greek Theatre always has amazing talents. Thursday night concerts at the Marina, the Santa Monica Pier, San Marino’s Huntington Gardens Chamber Music Concerts and much more. The stars and clouds promised to be good, and they were.
MY FIRST TIME AT THE BOWL THIS SEASON was as an invited guest for a glorious celebration to launch the classical series with the Philharmonic. Grant Gershon conducted Haydn, Vivaldi and Handel beautifully. The Hollywood Bowl had some exciting offerings: our Philharmonic with guest conductors, John Williams and his musical movies, Leonard Bernstein’s CANDIDE with Bramwell Tovey and, of course, Gustavo Dudamel.
The Los Angeles Opera opened its 25th Anniversary Season September 23 with IL POSTINO, based on the wonderful book and film. Placido Domingo starred as the famed Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Fortunately, I was privileged to be there opening night, and what a night it was! Everyone dressed to the nines and tens. Following his singing IL POSTINO, Domingo conducted THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO in October. Busy man and just after surgery. Lucky for us, e hassigned on for three more years as Artistic Director.
TOO BAD I didn’t write about IN THE HEIGHTS before it closed at the Pantages. It was such a great show, as were all the performances and performers at the Pantages. That historic Hollywood theatre really presents great Broadway shows. Don’t miss seeing the fabulous WEST SIDE STORY, that powerful musical is at the Pantages through the holiday season. The exciting HAIR returns in January.
The Geffen also has fantastic theatre at their newly named Gil Cates Theatre. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage’s RUINED takes place in a bar in the Congo. Depicts hope, humor and humanity. Laurence Fishburne as Thurgood Marshall in THURGOOD was a phenomenon.
The Broad Stage, part of Santa Monica College (but located away from the Santa Monica campus) has very good theatre in both their venues. We saw a delightful CELEBRITY AUTOBIOGRAPHY by the talented Eugene Pack at The Edye (Broad) Second Space featuring Laraine Newman, Fred Willard, Will Forte, Brooke Shields and others doing funny readings from famous people’s autobiographical books. The Broad also presented the fun Shakespeare play THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, where Falstaff gets his just due, direct from London’s Old Globe.. The performers were amazing as was the on-stage orchestra. Costumes were glorious. A great outing in Santa Monica. We were invited to a
Wonderful WINTER FROLIC the other evening. A real live horse and an Elizabethan carriage outdoors. People were asked to dress “up” and they did. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres were passed around and a Jane Austen-type improv show took place in the theatre. Jamie Lee Curtis awarded best costume prizes, and Sir Michael York welcomed the crowd. Post show, wine and cheeses were served. Lovely evening.
The Center Theatre Group downtown does some extremely interesting and involved programs. This season included Brooke Shields in LEAP OF FAITH at the Ahmanson. At the Mark Taper, Judith Ivey reprised her Broadway role in Tennessee Williams’s classic THE GLASS MENAGERIE. Also awaiting the arrival of Jane Fonda in THIRTY-THREE VARIATIONS right after the first of 2011.
Smaller Equity waiver theatres continue to show pride in what they do. The Pacific Resident Theatre presented BECKY’S NEW CAR, an absolutely charming and original play. The lead role Becky was played by Joanna Daniels, who is fantastic. It was extended time and again. Alan Ayckbourn’s BEDROOM FARCE comedy at the Odyssey was a delight to see again. Closing December 21 is TALES FROM HOLLYWOOD by the prominent British playwright Christopher Hampton. Takes place during the Nazi and the McCarthy era (early World War II). German Literary Legends exiled in Santa Monica to write for Hollywood. Among them were Bertolt Brecht, Heinrich and Thomas Mann. Michael Peretzian does an admirable directing job. Also at the Odyssey was NIGHT OF JANUARY 16TH, Ayn Rands’s courtroom drama where the jurors are selected nightly from the audience. Now, the Odyssey presents an outstanding 14-day performance by the lovely Julia Migenes. DIVA ON THE VERGE. Victoria Kirsch is musical director/accompanist. It’s a marvelous program to see during the holidays. I urge you to get to see and hear her.
The Ruskin Group at the Santa Monica Airport does great theatre always. Recently had Arthur Miller’s ALL MY CHILDREN. CYRANO DE BERGERAC plays through January 23, 2011.
The Fountain Theatre’s OPUS was extended so many times by popular demand (I’ve seen it twice and loved it more the second go-around). The set is sparsely beautiful and perfect for the string quartet. It starts with the successful audition of the lone female (Jia Doughman) prodigy violist who, instead of taking a steady offer with the Pittsburgh Symphony, signs on with the quartet as they struggle to rehearse for an upcoming gig at the White House. Simon Levy directed these actors in rehearsal as if they were actually playing on stage in front of us. Their fingering was so authentic and precise it was amazing to watch and hear. Actually the recorded music was coming from behind the stage but we, the audience, were so into it… amazing! Michael Hollinger was the witty playwright. Held over to January 22 is Athol Fugard’s THE TRAIN DRIVER, dealing with repercussions of South Africa’s apartheid. Amazing performances by Morlan Higgins and Adolphus Ward, and a stunning set.
So glad we got to see the new ‘50s-style musical LIFE COULD BE A DREAM. It’ll surely return and when it comes back, please go see it. I know I shall. It was that amusing and wonderful.
Theatre Forty, located on the campus of Beverly Hills High School, always does thoughtful, excellent plays. Currently playing is MURDERERS by Jeffrey Hatcher and featuring three fine actors, Richard Horvitz, Melanie McQueen and Marcia Rodd, doingthree lengthy monologues as individuals who take a perverse pride in their crimes. Laughs abound.
TIM ROBBINS’ THE ACTORS’ GANG had an extraordinary and incredibly interesting theatre production, BREAK THE WHIP. Robbins wrote and directed this innovative epic, his version of early American history revolving around the struggles of three cultures in the Jamestown Colony: English settles, African slaves, and Powatan Indians. The energetic production was enhanced by the use of native languages, dance, music, and Johnny Burton’s (Tim’s brother) shadow puppets. A stunning, large cast drew the audience in and left them breathless.
Will keep in touch soon again. Meanwhile, want to wish you all Happy Holidays, and a great 2011 for all of us for peace, prosperity, and a very productive and enjoyable year ahead.
Love and hugs,
Harriette
Sunday, December 19, 2010
In the Wings - Films
IN THE WINGS by HARRIETTE SMITH December 2010
SUMMER TIME IS OVER, AND WITH FALL AND NOW WINTER here, there’s lots of action ahead both at the movies and on the stages about town. This past summer has been bedecked with listening and viewing under the stars and clouds. More on this later.
There have been and are computer-generated and animated films, sequels and prequels: SHREK 3, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE, IRON MAN 2, THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE, THE LAST AIRBENDER, on mythology. Enough of the computerized kiddie films? How about films for you and me. Some intelligent, adult films we want to see.
NOW FOR THE MOVIES, past, current, and coming A beautiful film was THE CONCERT, billed as a comedy but it’s far from that. Witty, it does have comedic overtones in the dialogue, but comedy, NO. A former celebrated Russian conductor of the Bolshoi Ballet orchestra who, with his fellow musicians, have hit rock bottom because the orchestra members, most of them being Jewish, were fired. He masterminds a plan to make the orchestra’s comeback. They had to have a star violin virtuoso, the luminous Melanie Laurent (of ”Inglourious Basterds”) for an outstanding first night’s performance at a prestigious theatre in Paris. The Tchaikovsky Concerto was played beautifully. This is a truly an adult film. I saw it twice and liked it even better the second time around. Another one is THE TILLMAN STORY, about the death of Pat Tillman, former pro football player who turned Army Ranger and was killed in Afghanistan, but the real story was covered up. He was killed by friendly fire. Josh Brolin narrates. Two lovely foreign films: MAO’S LAST DANCER is the true story of a small boy’s steps from poverty as a classical dancer in communist China to international stardom as he dances with the Houston Ballet. Li Cunxin is an amazing dancer and humanitarian. A beautiful film.
WAS ANXIOUS to see the life story of John Lennon, NOWHERE BOY, celebrating his 70th birthday. His life as a young boy in Liverpool was very good. Gave me more of an insight in his later life, with and after The Beatles.
Writer/director Rob Reiner had another charmer out: FLIPPED, a ‘60s coming-of-age story of two families with children who live across the street from each other and are quite different. It’s lovely. The two kids (male and female) do a flip-flop while growing up. Lots of period detail typical of the ‘60s.
The second film of the Swedish Stieg Larsson trilogy, THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE, has you literally sitting on the edge of your seat from beginning to end with brutal violence, rape, strong sexuality. The third film of the trilogy, THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST, is the least violent of the three but excellent. Next year will see us watching these three films remade in America with English dialogue, starring Daniel Craig (James Bond) and newcomer Rooney Mara. Her two great-great-grandfathers, Tim Mara and Art Rooney, founded the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Ben Affleck directed, starred and co-wrote THE TOWN. Will this be another GOOD WILL HUNTING for him? Maybe even better than good. Michael Douglas reprises his role of the past hot film, WALL STREET, with WALL STREET, MONEY NEVER SLEEPS. .
Had enuff? Wait, there’s more. In BLUE VALENTINE, Ryan Gosling and beautiful Michelle Williams use one night to try and save their failing marriage. Some of the most explicit sex scenes I’ve ever seen. Their NC-17 rating is being
challenged as I write this. Russell Crowe was wonderful in THE NEXT THREE DAYS as he tries to get his wife out of, or escaped from, prison for serving a murder she did not commit. FAIR GAME was excellent with Naomi Watts playing Valerie Plame, the CIA agent who was “outed” by the Bush White House.
Her husband, former Ambassador Joe Wilson, played by Sean Penn, fought the charge. Didn’t see BURLESQUE yet, but expect to see Cher at her best. MADE IN DAGENHAM has female workers in an English Ford plant walk out because of discrimination in ’66. Sally Hawkins shines, as does Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson and the lovely Rosamund Pike.
Kevin Spacey heads up an excellent cast in CASINO JACK, the story of jailed lobbyist Jack Abramoff. COMPANY MEN was good with Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Chris Cooper and Kevin Costner; it’s about down-sizing work forces and redefining their lives. Affleck directed, starred in and co-wrote THE TOWN, a subtle thriller also starring Jeremy Renner and Rebecca Hall. Looks like it’s Affleck’s year.
BLACK SWAN, Darren Aronofsky’s dark ballet film, stars Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey and Winona Ryder. Competitive intrigue occurs, along with sex scenes. Ballet master is played by Vincent Cassel, who was compelling in the two French MESRINE films. Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart give outstanding performances in RABBIT HOLE as the grieving parents of a deceased son. Equally fine performances by young Miles Teller, Dianne Wiest and Sandra Oh.
Javier Bardem and the remarkable Argentine actress Maricel Alvarez give heart-wrenching performances in Alejandro Gonzáles Inárritu’s BIUTIFUL.
In my opinion, the best picture this year is THE KING’S SPEECH, starring Colin Firth as the would-be King of England who must conquer his uncontrollable stammer. Geoffrey Rush plays his speech therapist, excellently. Helen Bonham Carter heads an outstanding supporting cast, including a surprise turn by Guy Pearce as Edward VIII. It’s already racking up major accolades, with more to come, no doubt.
That’s it folks.
SUMMER TIME IS OVER, AND WITH FALL AND NOW WINTER here, there’s lots of action ahead both at the movies and on the stages about town. This past summer has been bedecked with listening and viewing under the stars and clouds. More on this later.
There have been and are computer-generated and animated films, sequels and prequels: SHREK 3, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE, IRON MAN 2, THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE, THE LAST AIRBENDER, on mythology. Enough of the computerized kiddie films? How about films for you and me. Some intelligent, adult films we want to see.
NOW FOR THE MOVIES, past, current, and coming A beautiful film was THE CONCERT, billed as a comedy but it’s far from that. Witty, it does have comedic overtones in the dialogue, but comedy, NO. A former celebrated Russian conductor of the Bolshoi Ballet orchestra who, with his fellow musicians, have hit rock bottom because the orchestra members, most of them being Jewish, were fired. He masterminds a plan to make the orchestra’s comeback. They had to have a star violin virtuoso, the luminous Melanie Laurent (of ”Inglourious Basterds”) for an outstanding first night’s performance at a prestigious theatre in Paris. The Tchaikovsky Concerto was played beautifully. This is a truly an adult film. I saw it twice and liked it even better the second time around. Another one is THE TILLMAN STORY, about the death of Pat Tillman, former pro football player who turned Army Ranger and was killed in Afghanistan, but the real story was covered up. He was killed by friendly fire. Josh Brolin narrates. Two lovely foreign films: MAO’S LAST DANCER is the true story of a small boy’s steps from poverty as a classical dancer in communist China to international stardom as he dances with the Houston Ballet. Li Cunxin is an amazing dancer and humanitarian. A beautiful film.
WAS ANXIOUS to see the life story of John Lennon, NOWHERE BOY, celebrating his 70th birthday. His life as a young boy in Liverpool was very good. Gave me more of an insight in his later life, with and after The Beatles.
Writer/director Rob Reiner had another charmer out: FLIPPED, a ‘60s coming-of-age story of two families with children who live across the street from each other and are quite different. It’s lovely. The two kids (male and female) do a flip-flop while growing up. Lots of period detail typical of the ‘60s.
The second film of the Swedish Stieg Larsson trilogy, THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE, has you literally sitting on the edge of your seat from beginning to end with brutal violence, rape, strong sexuality. The third film of the trilogy, THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST, is the least violent of the three but excellent. Next year will see us watching these three films remade in America with English dialogue, starring Daniel Craig (James Bond) and newcomer Rooney Mara. Her two great-great-grandfathers, Tim Mara and Art Rooney, founded the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Ben Affleck directed, starred and co-wrote THE TOWN. Will this be another GOOD WILL HUNTING for him? Maybe even better than good. Michael Douglas reprises his role of the past hot film, WALL STREET, with WALL STREET, MONEY NEVER SLEEPS. .
Had enuff? Wait, there’s more. In BLUE VALENTINE, Ryan Gosling and beautiful Michelle Williams use one night to try and save their failing marriage. Some of the most explicit sex scenes I’ve ever seen. Their NC-17 rating is being
challenged as I write this. Russell Crowe was wonderful in THE NEXT THREE DAYS as he tries to get his wife out of, or escaped from, prison for serving a murder she did not commit. FAIR GAME was excellent with Naomi Watts playing Valerie Plame, the CIA agent who was “outed” by the Bush White House.
Her husband, former Ambassador Joe Wilson, played by Sean Penn, fought the charge. Didn’t see BURLESQUE yet, but expect to see Cher at her best. MADE IN DAGENHAM has female workers in an English Ford plant walk out because of discrimination in ’66. Sally Hawkins shines, as does Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson and the lovely Rosamund Pike.
Kevin Spacey heads up an excellent cast in CASINO JACK, the story of jailed lobbyist Jack Abramoff. COMPANY MEN was good with Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Chris Cooper and Kevin Costner; it’s about down-sizing work forces and redefining their lives. Affleck directed, starred in and co-wrote THE TOWN, a subtle thriller also starring Jeremy Renner and Rebecca Hall. Looks like it’s Affleck’s year.
BLACK SWAN, Darren Aronofsky’s dark ballet film, stars Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey and Winona Ryder. Competitive intrigue occurs, along with sex scenes. Ballet master is played by Vincent Cassel, who was compelling in the two French MESRINE films. Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart give outstanding performances in RABBIT HOLE as the grieving parents of a deceased son. Equally fine performances by young Miles Teller, Dianne Wiest and Sandra Oh.
Javier Bardem and the remarkable Argentine actress Maricel Alvarez give heart-wrenching performances in Alejandro Gonzáles Inárritu’s BIUTIFUL.
In my opinion, the best picture this year is THE KING’S SPEECH, starring Colin Firth as the would-be King of England who must conquer his uncontrollable stammer. Geoffrey Rush plays his speech therapist, excellently. Helen Bonham Carter heads an outstanding supporting cast, including a surprise turn by Guy Pearce as Edward VIII. It’s already racking up major accolades, with more to come, no doubt.
That’s it folks.
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