Malibu philanthropists Eva and Marc Stern have poured their heart, soul and generous contributions into the Los Angeles Opera (LAO) for decades. As one of the organization’s biggest donors, they have seen all the stage has to offer — joy, tragedy, love, lust, war and more. But this season, iconic filmmaker Woody Allen will be giving them something to smile about.
It should be a grand and memorable premiere as the comedic genius teams up with maestro Plácido Domingo for a glitzy opening night on Sept. 12.
PD makes his role debut performance in “Gianni Schicchi.” Woody Allen’s riotous staging of Puccini’s comic masterpiece is certain to add to the fun.
As the story goes, greedy relatives descend upon a relative’s deathbed, where they enlist the devious Schicchi to rewrite the will to their benefit. Handed an opportunity too good to resist, Schicchi decides to turn the tables.
After intermission, Master Domingo steps down from the stage and picks up the baton, conducting “Pagliacci.” Center stage, you will find operatic powerhouses Marco Berti and Ana María Martinez. It is all done under the careful direction of famed film legend Franco Zeffirelli. The monumental production of the classic tragedy concludes with what promises to be a “hair-raising drama with breathtaking performances.” Talk about a night at the opera!
The combo of Woody Allen and PD will make LAO’s 30th anniversary very special indeed. In fact, it has some folks wondering if Woody has changed his tune when it comes to the west coast.
Film fans may recall that in his award-winning “Annie Hall,” he quipped about the California lifestyle, saying, “the only cultural advantage is that you can make a right turn on a red light,” adding “that people don’t throw their garbage away, they turn it into television.”
Maybe the 80-year-old is getting soft on our part of the map. In any case, it’s an outstanding bill that’s worth the drive, but if you want to stick closer to home, you don’t have to miss out on the fun. LAO will offer a free simulcast of the season’s first production at the Santa Monica Pier on Oct. 3. There’s no charge for the screening but advanced online tickets are recommended.
In the city or by the sea, there is even more in store — the 2015-16 season is jammed packed.
A few weeks later they’ll be making a splash with the debut of “Moby Dick.” Then, get your fangs out and sink your teeth into “Dracula.” The gripping production features original music by acclaimed music man Philip Glass. It will be performed by Glass and the Kronos Quartet, and conducted by Michael Riesman. Accompanied by the classic 1931 film starring Bella Lugosi, this October horror picture show should give fright fans a treat. “Dracula” plays at the magnificently restored Ace Hotel.
Other favorites include Gustavo “The Dude” Dudamel conducting the ever-popular “La Boheme.” Also on tap, “The Magic Flute” and “Madame Butterfly.”
All in all, as they’re celebrating 30 years of delightful music making, this new season is bound to strike a chord!