Thomas Wilkins and his Hollywood Bowl Orchestra gave local music buffs like Ginny Mancini an earful on those starry summer nights.
The season started with the Bowl Orchestra backing up the hot ‘70s group Steely Dan. After classics like “Aja” and “Peg,” a pyrotechnics display lighted up the sky. There were various works by Beethoven and others throughout the summer, as well as family favorites like sing-a-long nights. There was something for everyone with “Shakespeare at the Bowl,” and how can you say no to movie maestro John Williams? Following the record-breaking success of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” incomparable composer John Williams returned to the Hollywood Bowl to conduct music from the new score, along with other favorite themes from a galaxy far, far away. Bowl movie night maestro David Newman conducted a thrilling first half of film score classics, including a selection of clips shown on the big screen.
It all started to wrap up last week as Thomas Wilkins joined ELO. The band hasn’t played locally in years, so it was a big treat to get your dose of hits like “Evil Woman.”
The Bowl and its Los Angeles Philharmonic Association may be winding down and turning their attention to Disney Hall, but there are still more spectacular events scheduled for the Bowl stage.
On Oct. 1 and 2, the one and only Dolly Parton will be delighting fans with her country tunes. Speaking of good old country comfort, she’ll be followed a few days later by those landside lovin’ Dixie Chix. Plus, it will be a wild night when the legendary Van Morrison steps up to the plate. His special guest is Tom Jones and I’d say that is unusual.
A NEW STAR IS BORN
While legendary local Barbra Streisand has been taking her act on the road, they’ve been busy with a reboot of her famous film “A Star is Born.” The story seems to have that all-time appeal. The original was released in 1937 with Janet Gaynor as a budding actress involved in a complicated relationship with an established Hollywood star.
It was remade as a musical drama in 1954 with Judy Garland and James Mason and once again in 1976 with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson.
The movie produced the hit theme song “Evergreen,” composed and performed by our lovable diva with lyrics by Paul Williams.
As composers, Ms. Streisand and Mr. Williams earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song. So, who will fill Barbra and Kris’ shiny star bright shoes? No surprise that it’s two of the hottest names around — Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. There’s sure to be some new surprises, songs and spins on the old favorite.