End of 2006 Wrap-up on THEATRE

LEGITIMATE THEATRE WAS VERY EXCITING IN 2006 BOTH IN L.A. AND N.Y. Let’s hope the New Year continues to bring us great theatre.
An unusual and fun event takes place at the Mark Taper on Friday, January 12th at 8. Join the block party! Meet the talented kids of the new musical, “13” at Neighborhood Night. It’s expensive but what a treat! The $85 buck tariff includes terrific seating, private post show reception with appetizers, and refreshments of all sorts and wine for adults. Meet and greet the kids of the delightful new musical “13”, which deals with kids in middle school facing the leap from childhood entering the scary teens. For more info and to order, ph: C. Raul Espinoza at 213-972-7513.
Be sure to get your tickets early to see Kathleen Turner and Bill Irwin in Edward Albee’s Tony Award-winning “WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF coming to the Ahmanson in February. The same for the incredible WICKED coming to the Pantages.
Essa-Pekka Salonen premieres his GREEN UMBRELLA-ON LOCATION with soprano Dawn Upshaw at the Disney Concert Hall on the 9th,12,13 and 14th. The Colburn Celebrity Series has beautiful concerts this month.
“DOGEATERS,” based on the best-selling novel will be at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City with previews starting the 14th. Set in 1982 Manila with a portrait of Filipino life as a volatile and wondrous exciting time in Filipino history.
The Pasadena Playhouse presents the second trilogy (after DOUBT); of John Patrick Shanley’s DEFIANCE, starting the 12th.
LEGENDS (and they are) with the incomparable Joan Collins and Linda Evans at the Wilshire in Beverly Hills for just 2 weeks (Jan.16-28th). This is a must see.
Disney’s amazing THE LION KING is back at the Pantages only through the 7th. Be sure to take the family for this fabulous treat before then.
Carrie Fisher continues on at the Geffen Playhouse in her very successful WISHFUL DRINKING. She would come over to play with my son Marc when they were little. Momma Debbie drove over to pick her up when it was time to go. David Mamet’s SPEED THE PLOW follows the end of the month.

SONDHEIM’S musical masterpiece, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE celebrates its 10th anniversary at UCLA’S Freud Playhouse January 31st with Jason Alexander directing an all-star cast.
LOTS OF GREAT SMALL THEATRE PRODUCTIONS: A wonderful New Year’s Eve treat is: THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES at the El Portal in North Hollywood, What a fun way to ring in 2007! Also, AUDITION! THE MUSICAL at the Santa Monica Playhouse is great fun with former child star Evelyn Rudie, who co-wrote the book, music and lyrics, leads the talented ensemble in song. It’s staged by hubby Chris DeCarlo.
Be sure to look for WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE, at the Actors’ Gang’s new home. The Ivy Substation in Culver City. Starts next month.
An exciting World premiere, SPLINTERED SOUL is opening at the Odyssey on Sepulveda on the 12th. After WWII, San Francisco became a safe harbor for survivors of. the Nazi regime. A group of morally starved refugees seeking to define their existence in tidy post-war America with survival being the ultimate strategy. Bonds are formed between strangers and one man’s soul splinters to right what has been wronged. With a splendid ensemble cast. I highly recommend this.
The Coast Theatre in West Hollywood presents the off-Broadway award-winning CONFESSIONS OF A MORMON BOY, written and performed by Steven Fales. A young newly discovered gay man went from being a moden Mormon boy in Utah to a high priced call boy in NYC and his struggles to reclaim himself and his “Donny Osmond smile.”
SAFETY, by British playwright Chris Thorpe is at the McCadden Place in Hollywood. A renowned war photographer on the front lines capturing pain and suffering, to the point of neglecting his own family is preparing for a retrospective of his works at a London gallery. Having dinner with a friend who saved the life of the photog’s daughter, whom he barely knows, brought him back to the realities of real life.
THIS IS IT FOR NOW. MORE LATER IN 2007. IN THE MEANTIME, HAPPINESSS AND PEACE. LOVE YA ALL. HARRIETTE

End of 2006 Wrap-up on FILMS

I can’t believe that 2006 is almost over. What a fast year this has been! For me anyway, with the year starting in pain, then the hip surgery and the recovery and it’s almost 2007. WOW!
It’s also been a bad year for films up until lately when the best of the best is upon us for the Holidays and for Oscar® consideration. Some are already out. Have you seen any of them?
I can’t even pick my ten favorites because I don’t think there were ten. I can post the ten worst here, but who really cares? I do.. I really disliked Mel Gibson’s APOCALYPTO, of the Mayan civilization. I thought it pretentious, phony and told nothing of the incredible Mayan culture – only war and violence. I liked BABEL because it integrated three incidents from three different parts of the world and all involved children with wonderful performances by Brad Pitt and Gael García Bernal.
Another is THE GOOD GERMAN, shot in black and white and taking place in 1945 Germany. Stars George Clooney with Toby Maguire and Cate Blanchett (she’s all over the screens this season). THE QUEEN and DREAMGIRLS were wonderful with great performances. The foreign films that captured my head and heart; Pedro Almadovar’s VOLVER from Spain and LIVES OF OTHERS from Germany (this will have a wide opening in February but just showed for Academy® qualification). THE ITALIAN, about illegal adoption in Russia and, DAYS OF GLORY, where four North African men enlist in the French army in WWII to liberate France from Nazi oppression and French discrimination. This film is instrumental in assisting the French Government to assist African soldiers with back payments of army pensions frozen in the ‘60s after the colonies gained their independence.
Two feel good films, THE HOLIDAY, and THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS.
Al Gore’s documentary, THE INCONVENIENT TRUTH, about global warming was wonderful and I hope it gets nominated, it deserves to be, and, BOBBY, Emelio Estevez’s star-heavy ensemble drama about the assassination of Robert Kennedy at our Ambassador Hotel..
Some interesting films out early in ’07, MISS POTTER with Renée Zellweger polishing up her British accent again to play Beatrix Potter. The animated feature fable of a satirical “Cinderella” is HAPPILY N’EVER AFTER with the voices of Sigourney Weaver, Sara Michelle Geller and Freddie Prinze Jr. SERAHIM FALLS has Liam Neeson and Pierce Brosnan hiding their Irish accents as former Civil War soldiers holding a grudge in 1868 Nevada. And, BREAKING AND ENTERING starring Jude Law whose London architectural offices are burglarized by a Bosnian boy. In pursuit, he becomes involved with the boy’s Mom (Juliette Binoche). Robin Wright Penn also stars.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! LOVE YOU! PEACE!

October 2006

LA’s legit theatre scene for fall is so different from films. The past summer has brought us fine theatre and come fall, we will see even more and exciting happenings on stage. Be it in the larger venues like downtown or the Equity waiver small houses, you will love attending live –on stage- a thrilling evening out.
Here’s a terrific new innovation. A new free night of theatre is being inaugurated. On October 19th more that fifty theatrical organizations, large and small, will offer free tickets to their productions. Mark this date now. On October 3 tickets will be made available by logging on to www.freenightoftheater.net or log on to the LASA website. www.LASTAGE.Alliance.com. This will be an ongoing event in many cities. Keep checking my blog or log on to www.lastagetix.com/freenight. for further information. How’s that for a deal?
.Let me start with the Center Theatre Group downtown, although why always down town?
The beautiful Pasadena Playhouse featured an admirable production of August Wilson’s prize-winning FENCES starring the incredible Laurence Fishburne with lovely Angela Bassett and very ably directed by the Playhouse’s artistic director, Sheldon Epps. I originally saw this in New York when it opened in 1987 starring James Earle Jones and featuring Courtney B. Vance as the young son. He is all grown- up and is the real husband of Bassett. What a stirring night in the theatre this was . Coming soon is ‘SISTER ACT,” The Musical. Remember the movie with Whoopi Goldberg? Well, throw in singing and dancing nuns, it’s billed as the funkadelic musical event of 2006. Should be a blast. Incidentally, the balcony theatre at the Pasadena Playhouse was renamed the Carrie Hamilton Theatre for Carol Burnette’s deceased daughter and starting with a new play called “GRACE.” A very interesting love triangle when a devout mid-western couple arrive in Florida to develop a chain of Gospel-type motels with the slogan of “where would Jesus stay?” Plans go awry, naturally, but it was fun to watch.
Now, at the Music Center downtown, The L.A. Opera season has begun with an amazing schedule for the remainder of 2006. Verdi’s “DON CARLO,” with new Music Director, James Conlon conducting and Massenet’s “MANON” with Placido Domingo conducting Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazón in this beautiful French love story.
The L.A. Philharmonic opens the Disney Hall fall season with Esa-Pekka Salonen
conducting Mahler, Mussorgsky and Haydn with guest soloists.
John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “DOUBT” returns to the Ahmanson with Tony winners Cherry Jones and Adriane Lenox starring. Set in 1964 in a NY Catholic school, this heated drama with healthy skepticism will keep you in doubt long after the play ends.
Following “Doubt” comes winner of six 2005 Tony Awards,”THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA,” A beautful Italian love story. Lovely Lynn Redgrave wrote and performs in “NIGHTINGALE” at the Mark Taper Forum. She has written and performed about both her parents and now this is about an invented woman who sings like a nightingale, but we hear it’s about her grandmother. Should be wonderful, She’s a treat to see and hear.
The Pantages in Hollywood always has wonderful shows, mostly fantastic Broadway musicals like the current “SWEET CHARITY” starring talented
Molly Ringwald to be followed by ‘THE TEN TENORS” on Oct. 24th for only two weeks but well worth hearing and seeing Australia’s debonair musical group sing opera, jazz, pop, the works..
UCLA LIVE, at Royce Hall has an International Theatre Festival with groundbreaking productions from countries including China, Ireland, England, Canada, the U.S. and Russia. Check it out by calling 310-825-4401 or www.uclalive.org. .
Also, in W estwood, the newly refurbished and remodeled Geffen Playhouse will be having a world premiere of “WISHFUL DRINKING,” written and performed by Carrie Fisher. Call 310-208-2028 for more info.
Our Smaller Stages are ablaze with amazing productions at lesser prices. Patronize all that I’ll tell you about..Firstly, kudos go to charming Evelyn Rudie, who, with her husband, playwright director Chris DeCarlo, have been running the successful Santa Monica Playhouse for many years since she gave up being a Hollywood child star. She is being honored by Women In Theatre with a 2006 Red Carpet Award for her support and involvement in the performing arts in greater L.A.. Evelyn was the youngest performer to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the youngest to win an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of “Eloise” on Playhouse 90. Currently at the Playhouse is a tribute to “Tom and Dave” comedy team until the 29th followed by “AUDITION! THE MUSICAL,” a hilarious ride on the Hollywood roller coaster of life. Stars Evelyn Rudie and three other actresses/singers/dancers. A perfect theatrical evening for the entire family. Also in Santa Monica, The Powerhouse Theatre has “THE VICTORIAN HOTEL,” a haunted Victorian era hotel serving as the backdrop for a torrid love affair along with puppetry, mask work, music and modern technology. WHOOOH!
The Odyssey Theatre in Brentwood, continues with the extremely funny “MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS” where legendary producer David O. Selznick stops production on “Gone With The Wind” to bring in a reluctant Ben Hecht and director Victor Fleming to rewrite the faulty script in one week and keeping them sequestered in his office during that time. Catch this before it closes. Also in Brentwood, at the Skirball Cultural Center u p Mulholland. Is “WORK SONG”, Three views of architect Frank Lloyd Wright starring Gregory Itzin, Robert Foxworth and Amy Brenneman. Ph. 310-827-0889 for dates and times.
Theatre Forty, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre on the campus of Beverly Hills High, is playing two Lillian Hellman classic dramas in repertory, “THE LITTLE FOXES” and “ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST” where a southern family’s fortune declines amidst the struggle to maintain power and position by greed, rivalries and disloyalties. Wonderfully talented actors in both plays, magnificient sets and both beautifully directed.
In Hollywood, a world premiere of “LEIP SIG” is at the famed Lee Strasberg Institute. Stars Salome Jens, Mimi Kennedy and Mitchell Ryan and deals with unanswered questions as the past unfolds. At Hollywood’s Art/Works Theatre, Jose Rivera’s “REFERENCES TO SALVADOR DALI MAKE ME HOT”. The comedy/drama is a surrealistic lyrical celebration of love, lust and longing as a young wife awaits her soldier-husband’s return from overseas.
IN THE VALLEY, Arthur Miller’s provocative “BROKEN GLASS” is at the Victory Theatre Center in Burbank. Set in Brooklyn while the Nazi threat is on the rise in Germany. This psychological stunner reveals long-held secrets and fragility of a Jewish marriage. On a lighter note, “THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES” is just what the doctor ordered, a musical blast from the past down memory lane loaded with all the golden oldies at the El Portal in North Hollywood. The Whitefire in Sherman Oaks has “DVORAK IN AMERICA,” a new musical with David Galligan directing. Composer Antonin Dvorak (1893) when teaching at the NY conservatory, finds music and love in America.. Tony Danza in “I REMEMBER YOU” is at the Falcon Theatre in Burbank for just 4 weeks. See him, he’s great!
That’s 30 for now. Stay tuned for more theatre and films.
Harriette

September 2006

Summer blockbusters tried to have something for everyone, made for neither the old nor the young but rather for the child in the adult and the adult in the child. "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "The DaVinci Code" were raked across the coals by the print critics yet pulled in mucho bucks at the box-offices.

Now we're having thrillers, mysteries, sci-fi's, outer space and the likes. We'll see. But soon we'll be getting films with substance like "All the King's Men," from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel with a deck loaded with star cards like Sean Penn, playing an idealist's rise to power (Inspired by Huey Long) in Louisiana politics and the corruption leading to his downfall. Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Anthony Hopkins also star. This could be another Oscar for Sean Penn.

"Hollywoodland" is one of 'our town's' real life mysteries. Adrien Brody plays a 1950s private eye investigating the mysterious death of famed Superman star George Reeves (Ben Affleck, who is great) and his torrid affair with Diane Lane who plays the wife of studio exec Bob Hoskins.

Another film noir is ‘THE Black Dahlia” dealing with an unsolved murder, but not nearly as good.
Early October brings us Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed,” a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong thriller “Infernal Affairs”. This one is supposedly set in Boston and deals with cops, mobs, etc. and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson and Matt Damon.

"Aurora Borealis" is a very sweet and touching film with Donald Sutherland, Juliette Lewis, Louise Fletcher and young Josh Jackson who visits his aging grandparents’ senior residence. He becomes the building's handyman bringing him closer to his failing grandfather and wanting to know more of his own father's unresolved death. Manwhile, falling for Juliette Lewis, Sutherland's nurse..

"Sherry Baby" has wonderful actress, Maggie Gyllenhaal attempting to reconnect with her child after her release from prison.
Some marvelous documentaries: Last years’ fabulous "Ballet Russes de Monte Carlo," the legacy of the Ballets Russes is now out on DVD; "WTC, The View," another concept of 9/11; "The Ground Truth," yet another and "The U. S. vs. John Lennon," artist, humanitarian and, according to the Nixon era politicos, a U.S. human threat. It's very compelling.

If you’re into costume films, and what female isn’t? Males too. “Marie Antoinette,” the frivolous teenage queen, played by Kirsten Dunst sets a new look on this decadent period in history. How director Sofia Coppola got the French bigwigs to open Versailles on their off-day is a coupe and the shots inside the Palace are incredible. Watch for it in October.

Maggie Smith, as a housekeeper, brings a dark twist into the home of small-town vicar, Rowan Atkinson and Kristen Scott Thomas, in “Keeping Mum.” She fixes problems in “Sweeney Todd”-style.

A sleeper is “Flyboys”. Takes place in 1916 prior to the U.S. entering World War 1 where some American young men volunteer to join France’s Lafayette Escadrille as the first American fighter pilots to see action against the Germans- flying in open-cockpit planes. The aerial photography is amazing and young James Franco should be Hollywood’s next heartthrob.

Another fascinating film is “Catch A Fire” during South Africa’s apartheid. Tim Robbins plays a Police Security cop hot on the trail of a man who was wrongfully imprisoned and out to seek revenge. Based on a true story and it’s really good.

Can you picture Jon Stewart or Robin Williams running for U.S. President? Well, in “Man of the Year,” Williams, as a comedian talk-show host, does just that with his rapid-fire comic timing in a television debate with his two opponents.

My last film in this set is “Infamous,” the second Truman Capote film in as many years about the events surrounding the writing of his masterpiece, “In Cold Blood.” Deals more with Capote’s glittering Manhattan life with politicos, socialites, celebs and publishing czars. His party people include Bennett Cerf (Peter Bogdanovich), Babe (Mrs. Wm.) Paley played by Sigourney Weaver, Gwyneth Paltrow is the night club singer ala Peggy Lee. Really, Gwyneth sings! Sandra Bullock plays pal Harper Lee but the main characters are amazing. Toby Jones, a Brit, IS Truman and plays him so well being small of stature and the incarcerated murderer, Perry Smith is played by Daniel Craig, also a Brit, and the latest James Bond 007. His portrayal is amazing and Oscar worthy.Their romantic scenes are riveting. Be sure to see this when it hits the large screens next month and make your own comparisons.

IN THE WINGS theatre news will follow shortly.

Welcome to my blog

Hi! How does one start a blog? ... Particularly when the reader is about to say.. "Harriette who?" Let's get to know each other..
Comments on up-coming or late films, Los Angeles Theatre, or even The Big Apple... Anything pertaining to entertainment.

Name: Harriette Smith
Location: Hollywood, CA

I've been writing about films and theatre in LA for eons and for the Brentwood Media Group (6 newspapers) for the past 9 years and also the Theatre Editor.