Entertainment Writer
ANYTHING GOES!
It was “Another Op’nin’, Another Show” at the Mark Taper Forum as a who’s who of musical theater celebrated the genius of Cole Porter. Breezy and effervescent as always, Michael Feinstein hosted the event as part of the Center Theatre Group’s Salon X.
Feinstein crooned a variety of Porter classics, from “I Concentrate on You” to “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye.” Bets Malone followed with a devilish version of “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” and Patricia Morison, the original Kate from “Kiss Me Kate,” wowed the crowd with “So in Love.”
One of the show’s high points, however, came from sitcom celeb David Hyde Pierce. What the “Fraiser” star lacked in vocal range, he made up for in enthusiasm, putting a wonderful twist on “You’re the Top.”
More than a tribute, the Salon at the Taper takes great pains to shed light on the life of the artist. Feinstein peppered the program with anecdotes and insights. You might not have known, for example, that the dashing urbanite and poet of cafe society was actually born in Peru, Indiana. He was headed for life as a lawyer before changing careers and the face of American music. He left a legacy of more than 300 songs, such as “Let’s Do It” and “Don’t Fence Me In.”
All of this was not lost on the audience, which included longtime Porter fans Nanette Fabray, Anna Maria Alberghetti, choreographer Michael Kidd and Kirk Douglas. The performance wrapped with the classic “Another Op’nin’, Another Show” and received a standing ovation.
With that, the gang shuffled off to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion where the Grand Hall was transformed into Cafe Cole, complete with a late-night supper and piano bar. We all stayed out past our bedtimes, but how could we resist with the evening so de-lightful, so de-licious, so de-lovely.
DESIGNING WOMAN
Everything’s just sew-sew for Jane Seymour these days. After hosting her City Hearts bash on Super Bowl Sunday, the actress/painter/local mom flew to New York to check out her new collection of dresses, slacks and scarves.
Jane designed 45 pieces for the Crossing Pointe Catalogue in colors that come from her impressionist paintings. Although a fan of high-end fashion houses like Escada, Jane does have a practical side and says what she loves about her line is that it’s affordable.
“Spending a fortune on clothing is not something people are really happy to do now,” she explains. “I think they get a kick out of being able to look fabulous and say, ‘Hey, $59!'” You can check out Jane’s creations on line at www.crossingpointe.com.