CENTER OF ATTENTION
Look for a dazzling theater season at the Music Center as the Center Theater Group gets ready to kick into high gear.
At the Taper, thespians start off with the gripping story of life in post-apartheid South Africa called “Nothing But the Truth.” The play originally debuted at The Market Theater in Johannesburg in December 2003. It makes its West Coast Premiere Sept. 21. “Nothing But the Truth” will be followed by the classic comedy of manners, “The School for Scandal,” as well as the 2002 Tony Award winner, “The Goat, or, Who is Sylvia?”
The 2004-2005 season also marks the final bow for celebrated director Gordon Davidson, who has been at the helm of the Center Theater Group for 37 incredible years. In that time, he’s developed a stellar reputation and a loyal following.
“One of the things of which I’m most proud is the home we’ve provided over the years for some of the great contemporary theater artists,” Davidson explains. “Our 38th season, with its roster of national and international plays, reflects the strengths of those relationships.” Davidson says he’s also honored to welcome back old pals like Edward Albee, August Wilson, Brian Bedford, John Kani and Luis Alfaro, who currently serves as the Taper’s director of play development. “All these friends make this season, the final season that I will plan for the Taper, truly celebratory.”
Only five productions in the 2004-2005 season have been announced. The sixth, described as a “special surprise,” will be directed by Davidson himself. “It will serve as a fitting farewell to the audiences at the Taper who have been so loyal to me and my work-a gift from me to the Taper and our terrific friends.”
But that’s not all, folks! Malibu theater lovers can now enjoy those fine CTG productions without making the big drive Downtown. In addition to the Mark Taper Forum and Ahmanson Theater, The Center Theater Group will debut its brand spanking new 320-seat Kirk Douglas Theater in Culver City.
“This is an exciting time for us,” Davidson explains. “The Kirk Douglas Theater will become a vibrant theater center on L.A.’s Westside-joining the Taper and the Ahmanson as an additional home for new plays as well as world class arts education and education programs for young people.”
But no matter which location appeals to you, there are plays aplenty, so why wait when the curtain calls.