Live Theater and the Performing Arts: N-Z
ODYSSEY THEATRE ENSEMBLE: 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles.
(310-477-2055)
The Odyssey
Theatre Ensemble has won many prestigious awards for excellence
in innovative contemporary theatre. It is a small 3-theater complex
which offers innovative and experimental productions of drama,
comedy and classical works.
www.odysseytheatre.com
THE PANTAGES: 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood.
(323-468-1770)
A gorgeous, highly ornate art deco theater,
first opened in 1930 and recently restored. Seating almost 2700, it is
used almost exclusively for lavish musicals. The 2007–2008 season
offers Wicked.
http://www.nederlander.com
Pepperdine University: home of the Smothers Theater
PEPPERDINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Pepperdine University,
24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu.
(310-506-4522)
Each year the Center is host to over 250 public
events, including performances by international touring stars and
visual artists, student productions, and exhibitions and performances
by community groups such as the Malibu Ballet Society, Children’s
Theatre Experience, and Malibu Art Association. The Smothers
Theater, nestled in Pepperdine’s beautiful campus overlooking the
Pacific Ocean, provides a wonderful theater experience. With its
raked seating and superior sight-line, it is considered to be one
of the finest theatres of its size (seats 450) in Los Angeles. They
present a variety of musicals, dramas, comedies, dance attractions
and children’s shows.
SANTA MONICA CIVIC AUDITORIUM: 1855 Main Street, Santa Monica.
(310-458-8551)
A variety of events are held here, including
jazz and rock concerts, trade fairs, antique shows, dog and cat
show, chocolate fairs and the International Gem & Jewelry Shows.
Its unique hydraulic floor enables the Civic quickly to convert from
a 3,000 seat performance space to a 27,000 square feet exhibit
space. Home to the Santa Monica Symphony.
SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE: 1211 4th Street, Santa Monica
(310-394-9779).
One of the country’s most respected intimate
theatrical centers, the Playhouse is the only theatre of its kind to
have produced continuously for almost half a century, and the first
to have state-of-the-art technology without compromising the true
spirit of the European Repertory theatre. A.ctors’ R.epertory T.heater
is the award-winning resident performing company at Santa Monica
Playhouse. Theater workshops for both kids and adults, Family
Theater Productions, theater field trips for schools and more. Family
Theater birthday parties, tea parties and lunchtime fairy tale party
packages are available. The Characters from the cast will run the
party and escort the children into the theater, and the birthday child
makes a guest appearance onstage after the performance.
SHRINE AUDITORIUM: 665 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles.
(213-748-5116)
A huge theater which hosts the annual Grammy
Awards as well as performances by major dance and music
companies, including the American Ballet Theater. The 2006 Miss
Universe competition was held in the Shrine. Built in 1925, there
has been little alteration to the building. The architects designed
the building in the Spanish Colonial Revival style with numerous
Moorish details. The Arabian tent-like interior has a large canopied
ceiling. Seats 6,485.
UNIVERSAL AMPHITHEATRE (GIBSON AMPITHEATRE): 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City.
(818-622-4440)
The
Amphitheatre is a magnet for performers from around the world
and has been the site for events of worldwide interest, hosting a
Pope as well as a President. Virtually every star in every musical
genre has graced the stage, from Eric Clapton to Eddie Murphy,
Nine Inch Nails to Frank Zappa, Rod Stewart to the Royal Danish
Ballet. The Amphitheatre also provides a perfect home for awards
shows and fundraisers: MTV Music Awards, VH1 Honors, the
Academy of Country Music Awards, and more. Seats over 6,000.
WILL GEER THEATRICUM BOTANICUM: 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.,
Topanga.
(310-455-2322) Box office 310-455-3723
The
This rustic
outdoor amphitheatre seating 299 is located in the heart of Topanga
Canyon. They present Shakespeare and contemporary classic plays
from June–October. Peter Alsop’s Kid’s Koncerts have become a
regular addition to the Repertory Season, along with Theatre for
Kids by Creative PlayGround, and each spring and fall the theatre
is home to a range of concerts, including numerous benefits. An
educational outreach program, Classroom Enrichment, takes the
Theatricum’s actor/teachers into the classroom. Designed for grades
K-12, the program takes the great classics “off the page,” enhancing
the students’ education by making these texts more comprehensive,
immediate and exciting. Surrounded by a four-acre botanical
garden, this is a good spot for family outings and a picnic before
shows.
WILSHIRE THEATER: 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills.
(323-655-0111)
This elaborate late 1920’s Art
Deco structure sits at the edge of Beverly Hills. Concerts, dramas,
comedies, and musicals are offered.
http://www.nederlander.com
Try www.calendarlive.com
for the Los Angeles Times online
Calendar section. You will find many listings on what to see
and experience in the city.
Back to Table of Contents
|