Locals like Ed Begley Jr. joined a flock of other well-known faces at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to toast half a century of musical memories. For 50 years, the venue, which also includes the Ahmanson Theater and the Mark Taper Forum, has been providing first-class music, theater and dance.
Every year, more than two million people enjoy live performances as well as free community arts events at The Music Center. Stepping into the elegant, mid-century modern Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is one of the few things about Los Angeles that has been unchanged by time. The DCP is the home of the Los Angeles Opera, and its top guy, Malibu’s Marc Stern, even has one of the wings named in his family’s honor.
Ed B. made a special appearance along with TV mom Florence Henderson, Peter O’Meara and host Nigel Lythgoe.
Other music lovers included the center’s CEO Stephen Rountree, Board Chair Lisa Specht and longtime civic leaders Gloria Molina and Zev Yaroslavsky. Malibu’s Carla Sands also stepped out to “wow” the crowd. Carla was working double duty as she is also the President of the Music Center’s Blue Ribbon.
The glitz and glam of the center’s founding years came alive as guests commemorated the 1955 El Dorado Party. That remarkable evening went down as the catalyst for the fundraising effort that led to the creation of The Music Center.
This all adds up to the big anniversary later this year. But on this night, guests enjoyed a chilled martini bar and hot hors d’oeuvres while taking in the sights and sounds of the past.
Christine Ebersole maintained the old school ambiance by belting out songs like “Moon River,” “The Music That Makes Me Dance” and “Forty-Second Street.” From classical music, to first class dance and opera, there’s no doubt that The Music Center brings years of memories. Bravo!
MORE MUSIC NOTES
Speaking of great musical moments, don’t miss opera great Reneé Fleming who is appearing in the classic “A Streetcar Named Desire.” The production has been hailed as a showstopper that is moving and deep.
Rene plays the infamous Blanche DuBois, who moves into her sister’s cramped apartment and touches off a wave of family drama.
André Previn is at the helm of this faithful adaptation of the Tennessee Williams’ classic set in New Orleans. Reneé seems to be loving the challenge and it’s a break from the norm.
“I’m always playing a period role where I’m wearing a huge costume and I’ve got a big wig,” she said. “I almost never get to do parts that are this contemporary so it’s fun.”
“A Streetcar Named Desire” runs at the Los Angeles Opera until May 24. It’s a great way to get into “Summertime!”