After going 20 months without any entertainment, we went to three venues last week. Tuesday, we saw the opening night of A Christmas Carol at the Ahmanson Theater. It was an adaptation of Dicken’s original story. I figured we’d get the full ‘woke’ treatment–although how they could ‘woke’ it up any more than it was originally, is beyond me–but they surprised me. In the novella everybody is after Scrooge’s money. I always thought the people begging for money would have done better to get jobs and give their own money away. It’s pointed out that Scrooge supports the workhouses (the charitable institution of the day). It’s really not his fault that they’re horrible places. But apparently only his money will save people. I don’t blame him for hiding out and hanging on to his cash. That’s all people wanted from him. In this play they move away from separating Scrooge from his money. They explain how his life was impacted by a greedy, abusive father. All of his anti-social behavior is caused by that early bad treatment. This play is about healing Scrooge not bankrupting him. Refreshing take. The performances were satisfactory for the most part. I loved the Christmas carols the performers sang throughout and I LOVED the bell choir. Even Tiny Tim got his own bell to ring and the last note of the evening. I liked the fragmented stage setting that allowed the action to proceed without pause. I thought the lighting design should have gotten an award (maybe it did). Victorian lanterns were suspended all through the theater. Also loved the special effects. ‘Snow’ (shaved dry ice?) was blown across the audience. It really felt like a snow fall and set the mood. After the show we were treated to hot chocolate, Victorian carol singers, and more snow in the plaza. Lots of fun. Only one problem about the production. TV actors were used, and they played for a camera, not a large house like the Ahmanson. This was Ritchie’s last production and it reminded me of his first production twenty years ago. He used TV actors then, too, and I had the same problem. TV and stage are different disciplines, and the actors need to adjust. (‘Sing out, Louise!’) In that production, the LA Times went nuts over the above-ground swimming pool on the set. ‘It’s never been done before!’ Guess they’ve never been to the Valley or New Jersey. Every double-wide has an above-ground pool. I think Lefties need to get out more. Here’s hoping the next director is more interested in art than propaganda. And if he/she wants to do agit-prop, get some good stuff.
Wednesday, we went to Hollywood to see The Band’s Visit at the Dolby. I didn’t know anything about the play. I thought it was probably a rock musical. Nothing of the sort. It’s about an Egyptian police band trying to get to a city in Israel to perform at an Arabic Art Center. The Egyptians don’t speak Hebrew and the Israelis don’t speak Arabic. So, they converse in English which neither group is very good at. The Egyptians end up in a small town and are stuck there for a night until the next bus comes. The residents complain that nothing happens in their small town, but they take in the Egyptians for the night. There’s only once instance of anti-Arabic sentiment but that’s only one aspect of the play. People complain there’s nothing to do? They confess extra-marital affairs, broken hearts, marital troubles….lots of drama. The Egyptians confide about unfortunate things in their lives. Everybody stumbles along in English, but they understand each other and become friends. There’s hope for peace in the Mideast. Loved all the performers but it’s the musicians who really stand out. Amazing talent. It’s a sweet musical that runs without intermission, so pee before you go.
Friday, we got tickets for Disney Hall. We were treated to a free cocktail in the 3rd story garden. I enjoyed some sparkling wine under the trees as we observed the lights of the city. Then we went inside to hear the end of the lecture before the concert began. The first half of the program was devoted to ‘new’ music. I settled back for some ‘clank-tinkle’ moments but the first piece, Primal Message by Nokuthula Endo, was melodic. I enjoyed it. The second piece, Woven Loom, Silver Spindle by Julia Adolphe, gave me my ‘tinkle’ moment but I liked it. Interesting. Both women composers were there to take their bows with Xian Zhang, the woman conductor. It was an evening for women. Good of us. But my main reason for being at the concert was Beethoven’s 7th. I was curious how an Asian woman would interpret Western music. Very well. Xian focused on small moments between the flute and oboe that I’d never noticed before. And the 4th movement was fast but controlled. Normally, it sounds like the musicians will have heart attacks galloping through it. This wasn’t rushed. As I said, it was fast, but the legato made it, well, not nuts. Really enjoyed the interpretation. That tiny Asian woman was in complete control of the orchestra. Good concert.
And now we don’t have any shows until January. Good. I need to get through Christmas. That’s as much entertainment as I need for a while.