Pantages Theatre
So what makes LA such an ideal destination for fans of the musical? For one thing, its diverse local population is eager to support the arts. And with spectacular venues such as the Pantages Theater, Hollywood and the recently refurbished Ahmanson Theater in Downtown LA, an evening at the theater has never been a more elegant or enjoyable experience. The city also traces its musical theater roots back to the golden age of MGM studio productions, when the world’s best musicals were adapted for the big screen and captured on film for generations to enjoy.
These days, local organizations continue the tradition with important festivals and events such as The Festival of New American Musicals, which was created right here in LA. Introduced in 2008, its inaugural year, by Jason Alexander, who played George Costanza on Seinfeld, the event is a vibrant four-month celebration held throughout Southern California. Executive producers of the festival include Bob Klein, Marcia Seligson and Linda Shusett with honorary co-chair positions held by such luminaries as Stephen Sondheim, Angela Lansbury and Jason Alexander. The 2010 festival runs April through June and will feature a bevy of world premieres, developmental stagings and readings.
So what are you waiting for? Book your plane tickets now and make plans to attend the festival. Can’t wait for next summer? Check out the following major musicals set for production at area theaters over the next six months:
Feb. 10 – 28
You might not think The Color Purple is a story that lends itself to a musical treatment, but the Broadway production was nominated for 11 Tony Awards in 2006. Presented by Oprah Winfrey, The Color Purple is at Pantages Theater, Hollywood and features jazz, gospel and blues tunes performed by Fantasia of American Idol fame and other gifted performers.
Feb. 25 – April 4
With music by Henry Krieger and lyrics by Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls is a classic Broadway-style musical set for production at the Ahmanson Theater. It features music from the height of the R&B era, with references to such famed acts as The Supremes, The Shirelles, Jackie Wilson and others. As it follows the story of the fictional trio of young singers known as The Dreams, the play celebrates a magical era in popular music history.
March 9 – 21
The Andrew Lloyd Webber classic comes to the Pantages Theater, Hollywood in March for a brief run. One of the longest running shows in Broadway history, Cats has won seven Tony Awards and features impressive costumes, memorable songs and plenty of magic. Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, the show features a whimsical lineup of characters, including Gus, Munkustrap, Skimbleshanks and Griddlebone.
April 20 – May 2
Just about everyone knows a little something about Chicago, which comes to the Pantages Theater, Hollywood in late April. Whether from the Academy Award-wining film or the Tony Award-winning Broadway production, audiences know the jazz-era songs, the sensational dance moves and the compelling story line.
May 27 – July 17
When South Pacific comes to the Ahmanson Theater in 2010, it will mark just over 60 years since Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein wrote and produced the enduring original musical. A winner of the 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1950, the play features some of the most memorable songs in the history of the musical, including Bali Hai, Some Enchanted Evening and Happy Talk.
