Your publisher and editor were lucky enough to be invited to attend the opening night of “Love Actually Live” at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. At this memorable event we enjoyed this year’s version of this multimedia spectacle that left the audience on their feet cheering for more from the uber-talented cast!
By intermission the set had been completely transformed. Kudos to the amazing set design!
After the show, we exited the theater to attend the outstanding reception in the Wallis Grand Hall upstairs, where we were treated to a champagne toast with delicious deserts in the magnificent marble covered reception room…
… and had our pictures taken several times as well!
Everyone had a fantastic time at the event, and we want to thank all of the staff at the Wallis Public Relations Department for hosting such a stellar event!
MAISON DE MUSIC FOUNDATION & LA VOIX STUDIO MUSIC GALA HONORED MOTOWN’S RECORD BREAKING AND MOST INFLUENTIAL GIRL GROUP OF ALL TIME – THE SUPREMES!
Students and Stars performed side-by-side at the Gala!
BEL AIR, CA | Sunday, April 23, 2023 – La Voix Studio in association with the Maison De Music Foundation showcased their 10th Annual Gala honoring Randy Taraborrelli, and had a special Tribute to The Supremes. The gala brought out musical legends and artists to honor Motown’s record-breaking and most influential girl group of all time. Celebrity guests included Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence, & Susaye Greene, all formerly of THE SUPREMES, Freda Payne, Joyce & Pam Vincent (from Tony Orlando & Dawn) Randy Taraborrelli (biographer of Diana Ross and Beyonce), Janie Bradford (former VP of Motown), Gloria Hendry (from James Bond “Live And Let Die”), Betty Kelly (of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas), Reggie Dozier (Grammy Award Winning Music Engineer), Donald Welch (Producer & Director), Charlo Crossley (of Bette Midler’s Harlettes), Marla Gibbs (from “227” and “The Jeffersons”) and many more!These inspiring musical greats welcomed a new generation of emerging artists that performed special tributes of chart-topping memorial hits in an effort to help raise donations for The Maison De Music Foundation. The long-awaited Annual Gala of the year was held at the American Jewish University in Bel Air, California. The event was scheduled to be from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, but lasted until at least 11:00 pm, because everyone was enjoying the night by dancing to the classic hits played by the DJ.
A portion of the proceeds from the event’s ticket sales went to the Maison De Music Foundation for student scholarships. The Maison De Music Foundation is a Nonprofit Organization created for the community to provide diverse services to several music and dance studios, actors workshops etc., by offering scholarships, musical instruments, and transportation. The foundation prides themselves on building a personal relationship with all students, parents, and instructors. The non-profit’s main purpose is to make music lessons more accessible and encourage individuals to pursue music education.
La Voix Studio is the studio where singers develop and improve their voices. It is located in the heart of Studio City and operated by top vocal coaches and celebrity professional singers. The studio offers private vocal lessons with an instructor, group sessions, sight reading classes, singer’s classes, master classes and online lessons as well as piano and guitar lessons. La Voix Studio helps students prepare for auditions, expand their range, enhance their power, confidence, strengthen their voice and eliminate their breaks, all to gain control and preserve the longevity of their voices. The celebrity studio houses great vocal talent and wishes to continue to spread the wealth of knowledge among others. Visit www.lavoixstudio.com for more information.
The event was intended to be a fundraiser for the Maison De Music Foundation scholarship fund, but sadly very few people donated to the fund although they clearly enjoyed the event. However, we have some good news! There is still a way to donate to this very worthwhile cause, even if you didn’t attend the gala, and ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! Please help by donating today! The link is: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/maison-de-music-foundation/sponsorship.
Reported by Sid Fish, All Beverly Hills Publishing
The Inheritance – Part 1 & 2 at the Geffen Playhouse
The Geffen Playhouse hosted a fabulous opening event on Sunday for the west coast premiere of Matthew López’s masterpiece “The Inheritance – Part 1 & 2”. Invited media experienced the production starting with the premiere of “The Inheritance – Part 1” in the early afternoon, which was moving, evocative, and thought-provoking, with laughter, tears, and ending in thunderous standing ovations as the audience cheered for more!
The story is set in contemporary Manhattan, where Eric and Toby are 30-somethings who seem to be very much in love and thriving. But on the cusp of their engagement, they meet an older man haunted by the past, and a younger man hungry for a future. Chance meetings lead to surprising choices as the lives of three generations interlink and collide—with explosive results. A new perspective on today’s gay culture and how the AIDS crisis has affected the world we live in today. We saw Part 1 early in the afternoon.
The street was blocked off for our safety.
After this, we exited the theater to find Le Conte Avenue blocked off on both sides in front of the theater and decorated in a festive style, with a cherry tree as the centerpiece of the circle. This was followed by a lovely outdoor dinner and picnic held on the grounds of the UCLA campus and served up by the UCLA Event Catering staff along with a gourmet ice cream truck, a unique shaved ice truck, a specialty Churro cart and a high-end coffee stand.
There were also a number of information booths available for various LGBTQIA+ associations. Representatives from each group were on hand to answer questions and give out literature.
Beautiful music filled the air which was provided by a live guitarist at the event. Groups of people gathered together and chatted about what we had witnessed in Part 1 of this amazing show prior to the break. Everyone remarked at how moved they were by what they had seen, and agreed that they were anxiously awaiting what was yet to come in the upcoming Part 2 which was set to begin later that day. (During the run of the production, audiences will see Part 1 on one day and then see Part 2 separately on a subsequent day, but the media was being allowed to view both parts the same day for this special event.)
The center of the street was filled with huge semi-transparent plaques, on which were written significant quotes about gay acceptance, love, self-identity, and the many ways that AIDS has changed the world. These were potent images intended to get people thinking about things in a different way.
As the sun set, the group headed back into the Geffen patio and lobby to enjoy some more music and have a few drinks before Part 2 began. Just before 7 pm we all headed back into the theater.
When Part 2 of The Inheritance concluded, the entire audience was once again on their feet, with thunderous applause for the entire cast of this momentous production as they took their well-deserved bows. Most of the audience then headed to the after party at STK Steakhouse Los Angeles in The W Los Angeles hotel on Hilgard. There we were able to meet many members of the cast and enjoy some more fabulous food served by STK on a stunning buffet table.
We had a fantastic time at this incredible event, and want to send our special thanks to Gil Cates Jr., Executive Director, and Zenon Dmytryk, Director of Public Relations, and the entire staff of the Geffen Playhouse for organizing, producing and hosting this evening!
(left to right) Steve Zall and Sid Fish at the Grand Opening Gala of the Inheritance Part 1 & 2
Most theaters have returned to normal operations again, however county mandates for mask requirements are still being decided as we go to press, so please check the current guidelines before you leave to attend any performances. Covid protocols also vary from venue to venue, so you may still have to show proof of vaccination, and/or wear a mask during the show, so please check with the theater before you attend an event to find out what their current policy is.
The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should check with the theater to confirm it before making definite plans. Here are the shows that have announced opening dates for this month, or are already running at this time:
OPENING
“Xanadu” XANADU follows Clio, the lovely and precocious Greek muse who decides to don her roller skates and legwarmers to become Kira in order to help Sonny Malone, a chalk artist with half a brain and a heart of gold, rediscover his own creativity. With both help and hindrance from the other muses — and from a clarinetist-turned-real estate mogul named Danny Maguire — Sonny and Clio work to rebuild their “apex of the arts,” a roller disco. XANADU is the rare musical with a big heart, an even bigger funny bone, and a tongue stuck firmly in its cheek. The smash-hit score includes “I’m Alive,” “Magic,” “Have You Never Been Mellow,” and “Xanadu.” Written by Douglas Carter Beane, with music by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, and directed by Paula Hammons Sloan, it runs August 7 through August 21 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
“A Salute to Sondheim” countertenor John Holiday has performed at world-renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall and London’s Barbican Centre. Known for his star turn on The Voice, Holiday has curated The John Holiday Experience to showcase his affinity and talent for many different genres, from pop to jazz and R&B. Holiday has released three pop singles: “Alive in Me,” Waste Mine” and “Love Finds a Way.” In the 2021–2022 Hollywood Bowl season, Holiday made his debut at the premier venue, under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel, in an all-Gershwin program with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, followed by his Metropolitan Opera debut in Matthew Aucoin’s Eurydice. Written by Stephen Sondheim, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Ernest H. Harrison, it runs August 13 through August 14 at the UCLA’s Royce Hall in Westwood. For tickets call 310-267-4465 or visit www.GMCLA.org.
“Mud” After the collapse of society, a group of people band together for safety, survival, and community. As they begin to rebuild, they examine the failures of the past with an eye on Truth. But can they escape the Beast that haunts them and avoid falling into the holes humanity has left behind? Written and directed by Bree Pavey, it runs August 19 through September 11 at the Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-452-3153 or visit www.loftensemble.org.
“Nunsense” is a hilarious spoof about the misadventures of five nuns trying to manage a fundraiser. Sadly, the rest of the sisterhood died from botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia Child of God. Thus, the remaining nuns – ballet-loving Sister Leo, streetwise Sister Robert Anne, befuddled Sister Mary Amnesia, the Mother Superior Sister Regina, and mistress of the novice Sister Mary Hubert, stage a talent show in order to raise the money to bury their dearly departed. With catchy songs and irreverent comedy, NUNSENSE is sure to keep audiences rolling with laughter. Written by Dan Goggin, with music by Dan Goggin, and directed by Alta Abbott, it runs August 26 through October 2 at the Theatre Palisades in Pacific Palisades. For tickets call 310-454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org.
“Valley Song” In this poignant and hope-filled coming-of-age story that transcends politics, a young girl seeks the courage to embrace the future while her grandfather searches for the wisdom to let go of the past. Written by Athol Fugard, and directed by Caryn Desai [sic], it runs August 26 through September 11 at the International City Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.
CONTINUING
“Pageant of the Masters: Wonderful World” The Pageant of the Masters is arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world. Each evening during the summer season, classic and contemporary works of art are faithfully re-created with theatrical illusion and real people posing as living pictures. Enjoy art that comes to life under the stars in the Pageant’s outdoor amphitheater. A kaleidoscope of international art becomes your passport to distant lands, cultural celebrations, and fascinating history in the 2022 production of Wonderful World. Transported through the theatrical art of living pictures, the Pageant sets sail in pursuit of seasonal festivities, ancient and modern, promising new surprises at every turn. Prepare to be amazed by the Pageant’s intoxicating blend of original music, storytelling, and stage illusions. Wonderful World is a love letter to our common humanity, and the countless ways in which artists have asked the eternal question: “Why are we here?” The show runs through September 2 at the Festival of Arts Grounds in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-6582 or visit www.PageantTickets.com.
“90th Annual Festival of Arts” This summer the Festival of Arts is celebrating a major milestone: its 90th anniversary. On Saturday, August 13th,1932 the Festival of Arts opened its doors for the very first time as two dozen artists hung their paintings on fences, trees, and buildings along Laguna’s main street hoping to lure tourists to the first Festival of Arts. This summer, on Tuesday July 5th, 2022, the world-renowned Festival of Arts Fine Art Show opened its doors to celebrate 90 years of art, welcoming hundreds of patrons to relish in one of the nation’s top fine art festivals. The Festival of Arts is sponsored in part by Volvo, Fidelity Investments, Celebrity Cruises, KOST Radio 103.5, and The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.
In celebration of its 90th anniversary, the Festival of Arts will host 120 award-winning artists through September 2nd. This professionally juried fine art show features a diverse selection of artwork including paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and more from artists around Orange County. Since opening in 1932, thousands have shown and sold their artwork at the Festival and many have their work featured in the private collections of leading art collectors, celebrities, and museums around the world. For a full list of the 2021 participating artists, please visit www.foapom.com/exhibitor-gallery.
The Festival has been rated one of the top festivals in the nation and each year hosts over one hundred of Orange County’s most talented artists. Recent accolades include Orange County Register’s Best Place to Buy Original Art, Art Fair Calendar’s Top Five Art Fairs in the West and Top 5 Art Festival in the nation voted by USA Today readers. “Avid art collectors and festival-goers will have an outstanding variety of fine art to browse and purchase as they walk among the artists’ displays,” says Marketing and Public Relations Director Sharbie Higuchi.
In addition to the variety of artwork, the Festival of Arts offers a wide range of daily activities that the whole family can enjoy. The calendar includes nightly live music, guided art tours, art workshops and weekly series including Concerts on the Green, and Art, Jazz, Wine, and Chocolate (sponsored by Charles Schwab and Cambria Estate Winery). Several special one-day events will return this year, including the very popular Festival Runway Fashion Show and Family Art Day. On August 13, the Festival of Arts will celebrate its 90th anniversary with a Birthday Bash filled with fun activities including a concert with Stray Cat Lee Rocker in partnership with the City of Laguna Beach. The Festival’s Art Center, sponsored by Bank of America, will be a buzz with creative energy with art classes for all ages Friday – Sunday and free drop-in art workshops offered daily.
“Looking back at the original Festival of Arts in 1932, there was something for everyone to enjoy. That tradition continues today,” said Higuchi. “With beautiful art, nightly live music, workshops for all ages, and unique events, the Festival is truly a full arts experience.”
EVENT INFORMATION
Special Events For a complete list visit www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org. Free with admission unless otherwise noted.
That Girl Can Sing! Music Series Tuesdays, July 12 – Aug 30, 5:30pm
Laguna’s Finest Music Series Wednesdays, July 13 – Aug 31, 5:30pm
Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate Thursdays, July 7 – Sept 1, 5:30pm $20 additional fee for tastings Sponsored by Charles Schwab & Cambria Estate Winery
Tremendous Tributes Music Series Fridays, July 8 – Aug 26, 5:30pm
Concerts on the Green Saturdays, July 9 – Aug 21, 1pm
Spotlight on the Grand Piano Music Series Sundays, July 10 – Aug 28, 5:30pm
90th Anniversary Birthday Bash Saturday, Aug 13, 12pm
Creativity runs wild at the Festival’s Adult and Teen Art Classes where students will make their own masterpieces under the instruction of professional artists. ($65)
Uncork your creativity Friday nights at Wine and Painting Nights or Saturday nights at Pints, Pinots and Prints. Create a work of art with easy-to-follow instruction by Festival artists and enjoy complimentary wine or beverages. Must be 21 and up. ($80)
Friday through Sunday, the Festival hosts Youth Art Classes, art classes for children ages 5 to 12. Classes include sculpture, printmaking, painting, and much more. ($25)
The Festival Art Center, sponsored by Bank of America, will be open weekdays from 4pm to 8pm and weekends from 12noon to 8pm for hands-on artistic fun. Reservations not required, drop in anytime!
ART TOURS Free art tours, sponsored by PBS SoCal, are held Monday through Thursday at 4:30pm and Friday through Sunday at 12noon and 4:30pm. Meet the artists and learn firsthand about their techniques through discussions and artist demos.
SPECIAL EXHIBITS
The Festival’s Junior Art Exhibition, sponsored in part by the FOA Foundation, California First Leasing Corporation and Mark Porterfield of Laguna Beach, will be comprised of almost 400 pieces of artwork from Orange County school children (grades PK to 12). The quality of art represented in the exhibit will astound art lovers of all ages.
Support the arts by purchasing artwork from the Art-to-Go Exhibit themed “What the World Needs Now” donated by Festival artists with proceeds benefiting The Artists Fund at the Festival of Arts.
DINING OPTIONS / GIFT SHOP
Terra Laguna Beach is the on-property dining destination and focuses on California cuisine with sustainable food practices and utilizes farm stand fresh ingredients and artfully crafted meals. For reservations, call (949) 494-9650.
Intermission by Terra is a grab-to-go concession stand where patrons can purchase food to enjoy on the Festival grounds.
The Festival of Arts boutique-style gift shop is the perfect place to find t-shirts, art books, posters, and many other items to remember your visit.
The show runs through September 2 at the Festival of Arts Grounds in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-6582 or visit www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org.
Our local theme parks are operating at full capacity. Most require advance reservations online, as well as advance ticket, and possibly food, purchases. You will need an app in some to be able to take full advantage of all attractions and restaurants. Please check their websites for details, restrictions, and availability before planning a visit:
Some theaters still provide online offerings in addition to or in lieu of live performances, with many events you can experience on a virtual basis. A few of these online events are only available on a one-time basis, while others are ongoing and can be viewed on-demand anytime. Visit each of the web sites below to see what they are currently offering. You will find free content as well as pay-per-view to choose from. Here are the links to web sites with online offerings:
Our best wishes go out to all of our readers as always, and we want to wish everyone a Happy Father’s Day this month! We also want to send heartfelt thanks to our Public Relations representatives who supply us with this great information, and to our editors and publishers who continue to publish these columns. We hope this year will be a safe and healthy one for theatergoers, reviewers, and everyone everywhere.
Sincerely,
Steve Zall, Publisher Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor
The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts announced its 2022/2023 season at a special live event for invited guests in the Bram Goldsmith Theater, on May 31, 2022. We were pleased to be among the honored guests attending this special event!
(L-R) Sid Fish, Co-Publisher & Editor; Steve Zall, Publisher; Joel Hile, Director of Marketing & Communications; Chandra Jackson, Marketing & Communications Content Manager PHOTO CREDIT: DVRProductions
The staff of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts joins some of the artists who will be appearing at The Wallis during its 2022/2023 season. PHOTO CREDIT: DVR Productions
THE WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS ANNOUNCES PROGRAMMING FOR 2022/2023 SEASON
Distinctive Range of Performances, Programs, and Events Feature Groundbreaking Produced and Presented Works in Theater, Dance, Music, Film, Cabaret, Conversation, and Family Entertainment
Celebrated Artists Whose Work is Represented Include Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Bradley Bredeweg, Sheldon Epps, Xiang “Sean” Gao, Emma Rice, Kwame Alexander, Lisa Fischer, Thelma Houston, Osvaldo Golijov, Lillias White, Stephanie J. Block,Anthony McGill, Isaac Mizrahi, Ulysses Owens, Jr., J’nNai Bridges, Jeffrey Kahane, John Irving, Reza Aslan, and many others
Extraordinary Dance and Music Companies Featured Range from Mambo Kings, Ballet Hispánico, Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles, andBODYTRAFFIC to Pacifica Quartet, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and more
Sing for Hope, The Wallis’ 2022-2023 Season Company-in-Residence, its Founders, Sopranos Camille Zamora and Monica Yunus, Artists-in-Residence, and The Wallis Present U.S. Premiere of THE LAST SORCERER (LE DERNIER SORCIER), an 1867 Masterwork Salon Opera 150 Years Ahead of its Time
Programming also Features Continued Partnerships with Writers Bloc, ASCAP, and Film Independent; Return of the Signature Sorting Room Series; and Sunday Fundays with Free Family Entertainment
The Wallis’ Ninth Season Begins in late September 2022and Continues into the Summer of 2023
(Beverly Hills, CA, June 1, 2022) – The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts has announced a robust and distinctive range of performances, programs, and events for the 2022/2023 season, including two world premieres, one U.S. premiere, one West Coast Premiere, and one Los Angeles Premiere, featuring groundbreaking produced and presented works in theater, dance, music, film, cabaret, conversation, and family entertainment. Among the celebrated artists whose work is represented are Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Bradley Bredeweg, Sheldon Epps, Xiang “Sean” Gao, Emma Rice, Kwame Alexander, Lisa Fischer, Thelma Houston, Osvaldo Golijov, Lillias White, Stephanie J. Block, Anthony McGill, Isaac Mizrahi, Ulysses Owens, Jr., J’Nai Bridges, Jeffrey Kahane, John Irving, Reza Aslan, and many others. Extraordinary dance and music companies featured from around Southern California, the United States, and the world range from Mambo Kings, Ballet Hispánico, Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles, and BODYTRAFFIC to Pacifica Quartet, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and more. Sing for Hope, The Wallis’ 2022-2023 Season Company-in-Residence, and its founders, sopranos Camille Zamora and Monica Yunus, Artists-in-Residence, present, with The Wallis, the Sing for Hope Production of The Last Sorcerer (Le Dernier Sorcier), an 1867 masterwork salon opera 150 years ahead of its time. Programming also features continued partnerships with Writers Bloc, ASCAP, and Film Independent; the return of the signature Sorting Room series; and Sunday Fundays with free family entertainment. Under the leadership of Executive Director/CEO Rachel Fine, The Wallis’ ninth season begins in late September 2022 and runs into the summer of 2023.
“The Wallis launches its 2022/2023 stronger than ever,” says The Wallis’ Executive Director and CEO Rachel Fine. “With this full slate of bold, diverse, and ambitious programming, we’re prepared to wow, engage, and move our audiences during a time when we all need to be elevated and nurtured by the performing arts. We are pleased to be operating at full throttle, once again, thanks to the invaluable support of The Wallis’ Board of Directors, the City of Beverly Hills, the Annenberg Foundation, and our loyal community of supporters, artists, staff, and friends.”
“The Wallis’ 2022/23 season provides a place for our communities, our audiences, and our artists to be revived with inventive programming that inspires, entertains, challenges, reflects and uplifts,” says Associate Artistic Director Coy Middlebrook. “The breadth and depth of the work being presented during this season showcases the work of some of LA’s and America’s leading, and emerging, artistic thought-makers in dance, theater, music, film, and literature. Their contemporary perspectives paired with their tremendous creativity generates work that is as fresh and gripping for these times we find ourselves in as it is timelessly poetic and enthralling.”
Theater offerings further broaden The Wallis’ commitment to new work, with two World Premieres, one West Coast Premiere, and one Los Angeles Premiere. From November 22 to December 17, 2022, The Wallis presents INVINCIBLE – THE MUSICAL (World Premiere) FEATURING THE MUSIC OF PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO, which reimagines the timeless story of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet for the 21st century through an intricate weaving of the four-time GRAMMY® Award-winners and 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees’ legendary catalogue and inspired new songs. With a book by Bradley Bredeweg, music direction and arrangements by Jesse Vargas, and orchestrations and arrangements by Neil Giraldo, Invincible – The Musical is presented by Special Arrangement with Jamie Cesa, Cody Lassen & Bel Chiasso Entertainment.
The pioneering SHANGHAI SONATAS: A NEW MUSICAL IN CONCERT(World Premiere) is presented from March 16 to 18, 2023 by The Wallis in collaboration with the University of Delaware Master Players Concert Series. Concept, music and produced by Xiang “Sean” Gao, one of Musical America‘s Top 30 Professionals of the Year, Shanghai Sonatas brilliantly shows the power of music to build bridges across cultures. With book by Alan Goodson and lyrics by Joyce Hill Stoner, Shanghai Sonatas is directed by Chongren Fan.
Sheldon Epps (Blues in the Night) returns to direct The Wallis Production of MY LORD, WHAT A NIGHT (West Coast Premiere) from May 23 to June 11, 2023, a new drama written by Deborah Brevoort based on the real-life friendship between legendary Black contralto Marian Anderson and physicist Albert Einstein, two icons of the 20th century, who dealt with the injustices of a highly divided era in American history.
From January 11 to 22, 2023, The Wallis Presents Wise Children’s WUTHERING HEIGHTS (Los Angeles Premiere) based on the novel by Emily Brontë and adapted and directed by Emma Rice (Brief Encounter, Tristan & Yseult). Rice returns to The Wallis to transform Brontë’s masterpiece into an intoxicating story of revenge, shot through with music, dance, passion, and hope.
DAHLAK BRATHWAITE: TRY/STEP/TRIPfrom February 2 to 5, 2023, written and composed by Dahlak Brathwaite, is a spoken word, multi-character musical performed through the language of step dance. Directed by Roberta Uno, it is choreographed by Toran X. Moore, with assistant choreography by Freddy Ramsey, Jr., and orchestrations and additional compositions by Teak Underdue.
The Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences On Tour Production of ACOUSTIC ROOSTER’S BARNYARD BOOGIE: STARRING INDIGO BLUME from April 22 to 23, 2023, is a brand-new stage show recommended for ages five and up. Adapted from the books by New York Times best-selling author Kwame Alexander, it is written by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess with music by Randy Preston, and directed by Lili-Anne Brown.
Among the dynamic blend of dance companies presented during the season are two making their Wallis debuts: BALLET HISPÁNICO, October 7/8, 2022, in celebration of the incomparable company’s 50th Anniversary, and LUMINARIO BALLET OF LOS ANGELES, February 17/18, 2023, a thrilling repertory ballet, aerial, and modern dance company. Returning favorites are BODYTRAFFIC, October 21 to 23, 2022, which has conquered the contemporary dance world with its stunning performers, technical mastery, and a commitment to the most challenging repertoire; BLUE13 DANCE COMPANY, noted for its rhythmic and exuberant genre-bending artistry that blends hip-hop, ballet, modern, and traditional Indian dance, on May 12/13, 2023; and ALONZO KING LINES BALLET, June 9 to 11, 2023, performing a new work featuring Grammy Award-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer set to a score by jazz pianist, composer, and MacArthur Fellow Jason Moran.
Additionally, pop, opera, jazz, blues, classical, Broadway, and Latinx artists, many making their Wallis debuts, are among the sweeping and diverse array of music performers.
As part of Sing for Hope’s residency, The Wallis presents the U.S. PREMIERE of the Sing for Hope Production of THE LAST SORCERER (LE DERNIER SORCIER) on March 3, 2023, preceded on March 2 by a Center Stage panel. One hundred fifty years ahead of its time, Pauline Viardot’s 1867 masterwork salon opera was written on a libretto by her lover, the great Russian novelist Turgenev. A feminist eco-fable in operatic form, it premiered to great acclaim with Viardot at the piano in her Baden Baden villa and her students in the roles. After the original piano-voice manuscript was held in a private collection for over a century, it essentially vanished without a trace until acquired several years ago by Harvard Library, which gave Sing for Hope co-founder Monica Yunus permission to publish and produce the recording of the world premiere of the work. New English language narrations take the place of French dialogue that would have come in between each musical number, punctuating the concert story-book-style.
AN EVENING WITH MOTOWN – A Bristol Entertainment Production (October 1, 2022), a uniquely entertaining music experience, features Grammy Award-winning artist Thelma Houston and other remarkable talents.
As part of Sing for Hope’s residency, HAVANA NIGHTS (October 13, 2022) showcases the MAMBO KINGS and star soprano CAMILLE ZAMORA, hailed as a leading interpreter of classical Spanish song by NBC Latino, with a sultry, passionate, and exciting evening of Latin music from Spain and the island of Cuba. Canadian-Trinidadian pianist STEWART GOODYEAR performs in his Wallis debut (October 15, 2022) selections from his latest album, PHOENIX, including original works by Goodyear as well as Debussy, Jennifer Higdon, Anthony David and others that obtain new life by arising from the sound world, past traditions, and gestures of Franz Lizst. FALLING OUT OF TIME (October 27, 2022) is a gripping new song cycle from Grammy-winning composer OSVALDO GOLIJOV with an ensemble of musicians, led by acclaimed violinist Johnny Gandelsman, that finds its roots in David Grossman’s novel of the same name.
BROADWAY @ THE WALLIS & MARK CORTALE PRESENT, the internationally acclaimed concert series, returns with two star-studded evenings. LILLIAS WHITE WITH SETH RUDETSKY, HOST & PIANIST, on November 3, 2022, features Tony, Obie and Emmy Award-winner White (The Life, Fela!, Dreamgirls, Barnum, Once On This Island, Chicago, Disney’s Hercules, Pieces of April, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, “The Get Down,” “Russian Doll, “Search Party”) in conversation and performance with SiriusXM Radio star Rudetsky. STEPHANIE J. BLOCK WITH SETH RUDETSKY, HOST & PIANIST (May 4, 2023), is an evening with Tony Award-winner Block (The Cher Show, Falsettos, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, 9 to 5: The Musical, Boy From Oz, Wicked) revealing behind-the-scenes stories and music from Block’s stellar Broadway career.
The virtuosic LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA makes its Wallis debut with two appearances, the first of which is Baroque Concerti(January 28, 2023), an evening of chamber performances featuring soloists Yura Lee, principal viola, and David Washburn, principal trumpet, performing works by Johan Baptist Georg Neruda, Corelli, Geminiani, Telemann, and Handel. Masterworks for String Orchestra(May 6, 2023) immerses audiences in the majesty of the string orchestra through a program of rich and varied compositions by Bingen, Britten, Mendelssohn, Hindemith, and Greig, curated by LACO Concertmaster and Director of Chamber Music Margaret Batjer.
The Grammy Award-winning PACIFICA QUARTET, which has achieved international recognition as one of the finest chamber ensembles performing today, is joined by the brilliantly multifaceted ANTHONY MCGILL, principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, on February 23, 2023. Actor, host, writer, acclaimed fashion designer, and producer ISAAC MIZRAHI, whose one-of-a-kind show on March 4, 2023, combines comedy, commentary, and an array of classic and soon-to-be classic songs from Stephen Sondheim to Blondie, from Comden & Green to Madonna. Cellist SETH PARKER WOODS (March 9, 2023), recipient of the 2022 Chamber Music America Michael Jaffee Visionary Award and hailed by The Guardian as “a cellist of power and grace,” performs works by Rachmaninov, Liszt, Kagel, Chinary Ung, Respighi, Lembit Beecher, and Reinaldo Moya. ULYSSES OWENS, JR. & J’NAI BRIDGES in NOTES ON HOPE (April 27, 2023), bring together mezzo-soprano opera star J’Nai Bridges and Grammy-winning jazz trailblazer percussionist Ulysses Owens, Jr., in a program of works by Debussy, Ravel, Duparc, Satie, Poulenc, Ellington, and more. Pianist JEFFREY KAHANE,recognized around the world for his mastery of a diverse repertoire, performs his interpretation of BACH: GOLDBERG VARIATIONS(May 11, 2023), long regarded as the most serious and ambitious work for the keyboard. All of these artists are making their Wallis debuts.
On May 20, 2023, the award-winning MIRÓ QUARTET (Daniel Ching, violin; William Fedkenheuer, violin; John Largess, viola; Joshua Gindele, cello), one of America’s most celebrated string quartets, is reunited with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer KEVIN PUTS, who has been hailed as one of the most important composers of his generation. Critically acclaimed for a richly colored, harmonic, and freshly melodic musical voice that has also been described as “emotional, compelling, and relevant,” Puts has had works commissioned, performed, and recorded by leading orchestras, ensembles, and soloists throughout the world.
The season’s music programs conclude on June 1, 2023, with an evening featuring the chamber trio of JORDAN BAK, viola, GENEVA LEWIS, violin, and EVREN OZEL, piano. With myriad colors and sounds spanning two centuries, this evening offers a unique blend of artistic collaboration and instrumental and interpretational distinctiveness between performers and composers, from works by Debussy, Schumann, and Mozart to Max Reger’s Piano Trio No. 1 in B minor, showcasing the young 18-year-old composer’s musical and technical maturity and brimming with bravura, sensitivity, and promise.
The Wallis continues its partnership with WRITERS BLOC for a series of CONVERSATIONS providing insight into the literary process featuring AN EVENING WITH ANTHONY DOERR (September 29, 2022), AN EVENING WITH JOHN IRVING (October 23, 2022), and AN EVENING WITH REZA ASLAN (November 1, 2022). For 26 years, Writers Bloc has fostered the significance and importance of literature as an art form, enhancing the public’s knowledge and awareness of contemporary writers and thinkers who have made a significant impact on the cultural and literary landscape.
The Wallis’ wildly successful SORTING ROOM series, which transforms the Lovelace Studio Theater into an intimate nightclub, returns during the holiday season to offer the best talent from a wide range of genres including the American songbook, spoken word, comedy, classic cabaret, storytelling, dance, contemporary music, and more.
Film presentations in partnership with FILM INDEPENDENT, featuring screening events and conversations with celebrated actors and filmmakers, will be announced.
The ASCAP Musical Theater Workshop and Festival also returns in partnership with the ASCAP Foundation. In addition there will be a special Evening with Stephen Schwartz concert in celebration of his 75th birthday. (Dates and tickets to be announced soon.)
Of particular note, The Wallis continues its beloved free monthly outdoor SUNDAY FUNDAY family series from October 2022 through June 2023 with a variety of engaging programming that includes Debbie Allen & Friends’ Dance Sundays and quality live performances by groups ranging from Parker Bent to Broadway Babies and Spring Groove, plus Holiday Hanukah with Mostly Kosher in December and a bilingual concert in June with Nathalia – all designed to spark young peoples’ imagination and fuel creativity. No reservations or tickets are required for Sunday Funday events.
Subscriptions to The Wallis’ 2022/2023 Season are on sale now. Single tickets will be available at a later date. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. To purchase subscriptions and for more information, please call 310-746-4000 (Monday – Friday, 10 am to 6 pm) or visit www.TheWallis.org.
The Wallis is closely monitoring the ever-changing local health and safety environment carefully and addressing known health factors at the moment. Should plans change and any performance be required to be postponed or cancelled or if venue capacity limitations are instituted, ticket holders will be notified immediately with options for their purchased tickets per The Wallis’ ticketing policies.
The health and safety of patrons, our staff, and artists inside and outside the venue are a top priority for The Wallis, which is requiring all patrons to provide, upon entry, proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR test result within 48 hours or a verifiable Antigen test within 24 hours from your performance date, along with a government issued photo ID. Facial masks, covering both the mouth and nose, are still required at all times while within the venue. The Wallis’ health and safety protocols are also subject to change at the venue’s sole discretion or in accordance with LA County and City of Beverly Hills regulations. Current Health & Safety Protocols and updates may also be accessed at www.TheWallis.org/Safety. Policies are subject to change.
About Sing for Hope
Founded by Camille Zamora and Monica Yunus, Sing for Hope harnesses the power of the arts to create a better world. Creative programs bring hope, healing, and connection to millions of people in hospitals, care facilities, schools, refugee camps, transit hubs, and community spaces worldwide. Sing for Hope partners with hundreds of community-based organizations, mobilizes thousands of artists in creative service, and produces artist-created Sing for Hope Pianos across the US and around the world. Sing for Hope traces its roots to 9/11, when Juilliard sopranos Zamora and Yunus organized fellow musicians to perform for the firehouse at Lincoln Center, which had lost twelve of firefighters that day. In the months that followed, realizing the power of the arts in times of crisis, they continued to reach out across the city to share soothing music and art with communities in need, growing their ranks from dozens of artists to thousands. In 2010, as a symbol and celebration of art for all, they launched New York City’s Sing for Hope Pianos, now one the country’s largest public arts projects. Sing for Hope Pianos is a global arts initiative that produces artist-designed pianos placed in public spaces for anyone and everyone to enjoy then transports and activates them year-round in permanent homes in schools, hospitals, transit hubs, refugee camps, and community-based organizations. Other key programs include Sing for Hope Healing Arts, research-based creative performances, workshops, and curated cultural experiences that promote wellness, connection, and respite in hospitals, vaccination centers, long-term care facilities, hospices, and treatment centers; Sing for Hope Education, dynamic arts workshops and standards-based curricula that inspire civic action and uplift youth, educators, and local communities; and Sing for Hope Global, creative advocacy, leadership, and program design that drive the integration of the arts in policy and at global convenings on social change. Sing for Hope is the official Cultural Partner of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. As a champion of art for all, Sing for Hope believes the arts have an unmatched capacity to uplift, unite, and heal.
About the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is a dynamic cultural hub and community resource where local, national and international artists share their artistry with ever-expanding audiences. The campus, located in the heart of Beverly Hills, CA, is committed to robust and distinctive presentations and education programs curated with both creativity and social impact in mind. Distinguished by its eclectic programming that mirrors the diverse landscape of Los Angeles and its location in the entertainment capital of the world, The Wallis has produced and presented more than 350 theater, dance, music, film, cabaret, conversation, and family entertainment programs since its doors opened in October 2013. Hailed as “au courant” (LaLa Magazine), The Wallis was lauded by Culture Vulture, which proclaims, “If you love expecting the unexpected in the performing arts, you have to love The Wallis.” Its programming has been nominated for 79 Ovation Awards and nine L.A. Drama Critic’s Circle Awards. The campus itself, a breathtaking 70,000-square-foot facility, celebrating the classic and the modern, has garnered six architectural awards. Designed by acclaimed architect Zoltan E. Pali (SPF:architects), the restored building features the original 1933 Beverly Hills Post Office (on the National Register of Historic Places), which serves as the theater’s dramatic yet welcoming lobby, and includes the contemporary 500-seat, state-of-the-art Bram Goldsmith Theater; the 150-seat Lovelace Studio Theater; an inviting open-air plaza for family, community and other performances; and GRoW @ The Wallis: A Space for Arts Education, where learning opportunities for all ages and backgrounds abound. Together, these elements embrace the city’s history and its future, creating a performing arts destination for L.A.-area visitors and residents alike. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is led by Chairman of the Board Michael Nemeroff and Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Rachel Fine.
For more information about The Wallis, please visit: TheWallis.org.
Like The Wallis on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @thewallisbh
2022/2023 SEASON PROGRAMMING CALENDAR:
THEATER
NOV 22 – DEC 17, 2022 The Wallis Production of INVINCIBLE – THE MUSICAL FEATURING THE MUSIC OF PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO
JAN 11 – 22, 2023 Wise Children’sWUTHERING HEIGHTS
FEB 2 – 5, 2023 DAHLAK BRATHWAITE: TRY/STEP/TRIP
MAR 16 – 18, 2023 SHANGHAI SONATAS: A NEW MUSICAL IN CONCERT
APR 22 – 23, 2023 The Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences On Tour Production of ACOUSTIC ROOSTER’S BARNYARD BOOGIE STARRING INDIGO BLUME
MAY 23 – JUN 11, 2023 MY LORD, WHAT A NIGHT
DANCE
OCT 7 – 8, 2022 BALLET HISPÁNICO50th Anniversary Celebration – Noche de Oro
OCT 21 – 23, 2022 BODYTRAFFIC
FEB 17 – 18, 2023 LUMINARIO BALLET OF LOS ANGELES
MAY 12 – 13, 2023 BLUE13 DANCE COMPANY
JUN 9 – 11, 2023 ALONZO KING LINES BALLET
MUSIC
OCT 1, 2022 AN EVENING WITH MOTOWN A Bristol Entertainment Production
OCT 13, 2022 MAMBO KINGS & CAMILLE ZAMORA HAVANA NIGHTS
OCT 15, 2022 STEWART GOODYEAR PHOENIX
OCT 27, 2022 OSVALDO GOLIJOV FALLING OUT OF TIME
NOV 3, 2022 BROADWAY @ THE WALLIS & MARK CORTALE PRESENT LILLIAS WHITE WITH SETH RUDETSKY, HOST & PIANIST
JAN 28, 2023 LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PRESENTS Baroque Concerti
FEB 23, 2023 ANTHONY MCGILL & THE PACIFICA QUARTET
MAR 3, 2023 THE LAST SORCERER (LE DERNIER SORCIER)
MAR 4, 2023 AN EVENING WITH ISAAC MIZRAHI
MAR 9, 2023 SETH PARKER WOODS
APR 27, 2023 ULYSSES OWENS, JR. & J’NAI BRIDGES NOTES ON HOPE
MAY 4, 2023 BROADWAY @ THE WALLIS & MARK CORTALE PRESENT STEPHANIE J. BLOCK WITH SETH RUDETSKY, HOST & PIANIST
MAY 6, 2023 LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PRESENTS Masterworks for String Orchestra
MAY 11, 2023 JEFFREY KAHANE, piano BACH: GOLDBERG VARIATIONS
MAY 20, 2023 MIRÓ QUARTET & SPECIAL GUEST KEVIN PUTS
JUN 1, 2023 JORDAN BAK, GENEVA LEWIS & EVREN OZEL
CONVERSATIONS
SEP 29, 2022 The Wallis & Writers Bloc Present AN EVENING WITH ANTHONY DOERR
OCT 23, 2022 AN EVENING WITH JOHN IRVING
NOV 1, 2022 AN EVENING WITH REZA ASLAN
TICKET PRICES AND INFORMATION:
Subscriptions to The Wallis’ 2022/2023 Season are on sale now. Single tickets will be available at a later date. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. To purchase subscriptions and tickets and for more information, please call 310-746-4000 (Monday – Friday, 10 am to 6 pm) or visit www.TheWallis.org.
(Due to current health and safety variables, performances are subject to change, postponement or cancellation.)
Article by: Steve Zall, Publisher & Sid Fish, Co-Publisher and Editor All Beverly Hills Publishing
