“Harmony” at the Center Theatre Group (CTG) could be pretty good company. The show by Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman is underway and runs through April 13.
The musical is directed by Tony Speciale, with music by Manilow and book and lyrics by Sussman. “Harmony” tells the true story of The Comedian Harmonists, an ensemble of six young men in pre-WWII Germany who rose from unemployed street musicians to become world-famous entertainers, selling millions of records, starring in more than a dozen films and selling out the most prestigious concert halls around the world.
The Comedian Harmonists’ sophisticated music, paired with hilarious comedy, makes them the brightest of stars. The group’s mixture of Jews and non-Jews put them on a collision course with history. “Harmony” is a co-production with the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.
And get ready for the next CTG lineup that will take us into the new season.
Meantime at Pepperdine
In order to stay closer to home, why not dine and enjoy Pepperdine? The university’s Center for the Arts is putting on quite a show as well.
It kicked off last year with five-time Grammy winner Wynonna and her “Wynonna & The Big Noise” spectacular.
Up next, it’s Branford Marsalis on May 6. The jazz master, Grammy award-winning saxophonist and Tony nominee is loved all over the world.
The Center for the Arts describes Marsalis as “one of the most revered instrumentalists of his time,” adding, “He is the leader of one of the finest jazz quartets and a frequent soloist with classical ensembles. He continues to exercise and expand his skills as an instrumentalist and a composer.” Need more? CFA says this will be “an astounding performance by one of the most innovative and forward-thinking jazz ensembles around.”
At Pepperdine’s Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of “Wayne Thiebaud: Works on Paper 1948-2004.” The printmaker and California pop artist explores the unique qualities of line and color.
Throughout his career, he turned to graphics to develop pictorial ideas, and the exhibit visits his career from the early days to present day. It also includes examples of his work in etching, lithography, woodcut and more. Check out fascinating pieces like his 1988 “Eight Lipsticks,” his spectacular color dry-point etching. The show runs until Sunday, March 30.
So whether it’s music to your ears or a feast for your eyes—enjoy!