ExperienceLA Bloggers experience the diversity of Los Angeles arts and culture, giving insight on their adventures. This blog is in conjunction with ExperienceLA.com - a free public service and online resource for Los Angeles arts and culture.
There are some things in life for which we grow too old, though very few things in my opinion. "Mary Poppins" is certainly not one of those things. For Christmas, I decided to get my mother-in-law (who is nearing 80 and is a great lover of live theatre) tickets to see the musical at the Ahmanson Theatre with her son and daughter-in-law. It was a pleasant way, spending time with family, to end a very long day (I will spare you the details).
Our evening started with dinner at Noe at the Omni Hotel. Fortunately for us, DineLA's Restaurant Week was occurring the evening of the play, so we decided to take advantage of the reasonably priced fixed menu and treat dear mother-in-law to a nice meal. After dinner, we walked off the meal as we strolled over to the theatre. I know, she's nearly 80, how could we make her walk so far? But honestly, she wanted and appreciated the walk and the agreeable weather. Of course, my husband ran and got the car to pick us up afterward.
One of my favorite things about going to the theatre is the magical feeling I get of being whisked away to another time and place. This production of "Mary Poppins" did not disappoint. While I much prefer the movie version, the stage adaptation was mostly solid. There were a few spots in the story that could have been stronger, but overall, everything felt - magical. From the set design, to the costumes, to the performers, the timeless tale of a fantastic nanny and a family in need of connecting, was brought to life in such a way that the young, as well as the old all walked away with great big smiles on our faces. How could we not, with characters like Mrs. Corry (a memorable scene full of color and energy it makes your eyes burst and head spin all at once), moments where statues come to life, and people tap-dancing on the ceiling? Ashley Brown (Poppins) and Gavin Lee (Bert) are original cast members from the London production, and give impressive performances.
My husband, who'd never seen the movie but was familiar with the story, always hated Mary Poppins because he thought it was propaganda to trick kids into obeying. But I caught him chuckling and moving to the music throughout the play. And when Mary Poppins flew over our heads, I noticed both he and his mother waving to her. For us, the message of spending time with your family was definitely welcomed and received.
"Mary Poppins" completes its run at the Ahmanson Theatre this Sunday, February 7.
GRAMMY-winning Jazz Bassist/Composer Stanley Clarke said at today's unveiling of five Disney-themed hand painted basses that "...art is the bridge that brings people together."
True to that theme, Disney Youth Programs and artists from Walt Disney Animation Studios marked the 25th anniversary of Disney Magic Music Days with these custom-designed basses featuring Disney animation films Dumbo, Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland, The Princess and the Frog and the upcoming Rapunzel.
The basses were unveiled on the GRAMMY Museum Sound Stage. Each bass design came with its own story. Brian Kesinger, who designed the Aladdin Genie bass, had some help from an auto body shop that volunteered to provide the bass with its Genie-quality shine. Michael Surrey worked with his daugther Ellen Surrey, an art student, in completing their Dumbo-themed project. Other designers included Lorelay Bove (The Princess and the Frog bass), Claire Keane (Rapunzel bass), and Douglas Rogers (Chesire Cat bass).
The basses donated by Conn-Selmer, Inc. were designed by Walt Disney Animation Studio artists for auction. Julien's Auctions, which specializes in entertainment memorabilia, will conduct the auction on June 26, 2010 at Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas. In the months prior to the auction, each bass will be on display in various locations including the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, Planet Hollywood in New York, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland.
The proceeds of the auction will benefit the GRAMMY In The Schools® music education programs of the GRAMMY Foundation®. The unveiling of these basses also featured alumni from GRAMMY Camp - Devon Eisenbarger (guitar/vocals) and Edwin Carranza (bass). Check out the video of the performance below and see the talent that can be cultivated in the GRAMMY Foundation's music education programs.
There was a line out the door and down the street on opening night. This didn't surprise me as I'm a big fan of He-Man and She-Ra (I own the DVDs). What did suprise me (in a good way) was the sheer variety and creativity of the artwork influenced by He-Man and the Masters of the Universe at this exhibition. From the whimsical to the beautiful to the humorous both He-Man and non-He-Man fans alike are sure to find something they admire. (Left: NC Winters - Nothing to Cringe At)
I'll never look at a haircut or a trip to the dentist the same way again after seeing Kiersten Essenpreis' "Skeletor Gets a Root Canal" and "Trimming the Bowl Cut". It's the things you don't really think about when you're like five and watching sword fights and magic and identities being revealed. Of *course* He-Man needs someone to cut his hair and Skeletor needs to have someone to maintain that impeccable toothy grin... Or well, maybe not. But it is fun to think about and I greatly appreciate Essenpreis' interpretation. (Left: Skeletor Gets A Root Canal).
And have you ever thought about what it would be like if we transposed all those great characters into high school? LOUD-TREE did and it is then no wonder that Skeletor grew up to become the villian if "Prince Adam is A Jerk" is any indication of this alternate reality. Perhaps the prince gave Skeletor one-too-many wedgies and he heard one-too-many laughs throughout those high school years. Or maybe he was just discriminated against for being the one with a green skull instead of beautiful blonde hair. If so, maybe we all should be a little bit sympathetic, a little bit more understanding of Skeletor and his ways. (Left: Prince Adam Is A Jerk by LOUD-TREE)
My favorite - for all its Los Angeles glory (I'm bias, I know) - was DabsMyla's "Los Masters" a five-piece art work featuring Canter's Fairfax sign. There's something so Angeleno about it and I love Canter's. I can dig a showdown on Fairfax between He-Man and Skeletor. Not to mention, it's interesting to see the types of kicks that Skeletor and He-Man choose to wear. That's not exactly a topic the tv show touched upon. (Left: DabsMyla's Los Masters)
But amid all the laughs from the more humorous intepretations, I loved the gorgeous artwork that came from this exhibition from the more gothic-tinged interpretations by Megan Majewski in "Sorceress and The Cave of Departed Prey" to the classic Lady Madonna image on Dan Lydersen's oil painting of "Madonna Tella'Na" to the beautiful and intricately painted white hair gradient to feathers from Danielle Rizzolo's "The Origin of the Sorceress" (See Right). I highly recommend this exhibition to fans of both these 80s cartoons and those who just appreciate art in general. You don't need to know the characters to find the humor of the art and the beauty. But that knowledge of the stories, the nostalgia of past memories of 80s childhoods, can't help but make it all the better.
-Charity Tran
Photos from 1988 Gallery Link http://ihavethepowerart.blogspot.com/
ExperienceLA bloggers Julie and Charity attended a recent opening of the "Under the Influence: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Art Extravaganza" (open now through January 29) exhibition at Gallery 1988 on Melrose last Friday evening. Part I is a recap of Julie's experience. I heart He-Man. Judging by the flood of responses I got on my Facebook page when I posted my plans for last Friday night, I'm not alone. This was again evident later that evening when I arrived at Gallery 1988 for the opening reception of the He-Man art exhibition, and saw a veeeeeery long line of '80s babies just like me, filled with excitement as they waited to see a childhood hero re-imagined. Even the wacky Seth Green was spotted having a good time (pictured below: Seth Green and Gallery 1988 co-owner Jensen Karp).
100s of artists contributed interpretations of characters from the popular brand. He-Man was there, and Skeletor, She-Ra, Battle Cat...Well, not physically (although fans did come dressed in costume; oh MAN did I wish I could still fit into my She-Ra Halloween costume), but every character was represented in a variety of forms, from oil paintings, to photography, to toys, and more. All this, due in part to Gallery 1988 co-owner Jensen Karp. The gallery, in partnership with Mattel, previously collaborated on a similar exhibition for the Hot Wheels toys. It was such a success, Karp was asked if he would do it again. There was one brand on which his heart was set: He-Man.
The artists, a collection of 1988 regulars and Mattel designers, examined various aspects of human nature and vulnerability through the characters: sadness, silliness, playfulness, childlike, violent, sexual...
"It was an open canvas," was the response from Scott Neitlich, Associate Brand Manager at Mattel (who also runs mattycollector.com), when I asked him how much control Mattel had over the artists' creations. It was a surprising response, but a bold decision by a large corporation to give artists free reign to do what they will with such a revered brand. Looking at the artwork, and hearing the responses from those in attendance, it was the right decision. While some were silly, unexpected, and perhaps a little crass, it really was a respectful tribute to the He-Man brand.
Coincidentally, a friend and former colleague of my husband's was also there. He happens to be a designer for the He-Man toys, and had an opportunity to contribute an acrylic painting to the exhibition (pictured below, right: painting by Bill Benecke, toy designer at Mattel). He mentioned that it had been several years since he'd touched brush to canvas. Who knew He-Man (or in his case, Skeletor) had such powers as to inspire an artist to paint again?
It was incredible to speak with some of the artists and learn how their creations came about, and what the process was like. Some planned and worked for weeks, while a few were hit with inspiration in the 11th hour. Walking through the exhibition, you wouldn't necessarily know the difference.
The artworks are available for purchase and fifteen percent of the gallery's profits will go to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. I, and I'm sure the many who braved the hot and crowded gallery that night, and those who follow, thank you, Mattel, Gallery 1988, Scott, Jensen, and all the artists for this night of nostalgia and reconnecting with our inner child.
Here in Los Angeles, we have so many ways in which to appreciate art. At one time, "supporting the arts" might have meant getting dressed up and going to the opera or a high-end gallery, or opening up the checkbook to write a fat check. It might have seemed a little exclusive to those of us with a modest income. But art has become so much more democratic now, and much more accessible.
I'm thankful to live in a city with so much talent and that produces so much. It's amazing how much art is simply there for me to see on a daily basis. Right near my house is a beautiful mural depicting the history of Los Angeles. Every morning, I descend the stairs of the North Hollywood redline station and am surrounded by public art reflective of a NoHo community. Almost every day, there's some live music performance happening near my house or near the office. And of course, working for ExperienceLA I come across so many fun and interesting theatre performances, art exhibitions, live music, etc. that I wish I had more time in my life to simply attend.
What I love about experiencing the arts is that it doesn't have to be stiff and formal. I can go to an art gallery in jeans and sneakers to see drawings on whiteboard, or to see the orchestra perform on casual Fridays. Art is actually fun! If you had told me as a child that going to an art gallery or to see the orchestra was fun, I would've looked at you like you were from another planet.
"Art" to me may not mean the same thing to you. But that's the beauty of it. Art is democratic, and is what you want it to be. Get dressed up, or dressed down. Go see Rembrandt, or comic books. See Dudamel conduct the LA Phil at the Disney Concert Hall, or just a dude and his guitar at your local cafe.
Since January is LA Arts Month, take advantage of some of the discounts and special offers. Throughout the year, don't forget about the museums with their free days. Check out the multiple discount outlets for deals on theatre tickets. Visit ExperienceLA's calendar for free & family-friendly events. The opportunities to experience art are endless, and there really is something for all tastes, budgets and schedules. So go on, get out, and more importantly, have fun supporting the arts!
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