RENT AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL: Spending at least one glorious summer evening at the Hollywood Bowl is a must each season. With tickets ranging from $1.00 where the sound rises gloriously, to pricier box seats with the choice of elegant dining provided by Patina, it is the pride of Hollywood; owned by the County, home of the magnificent Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. There is no better way to hear music than to sit under the stars with a glass of wine (or a carafe of Mojitos) and experience music at its best. Check the schedule and you may choose to select an evening where music is punctuated by a sky filled with amazing fireworks.
Each season the Bowl presents a Broadway musical and Jonathan Larson’s Rent promises to fill three evenings. If you’re a fan of Dancing with the Stars, it’s the perfect time to see this year’s winner Nicole Scherzinger on stage in the role of Maureen. Most people are unaware the former Pussycat Doll is actually a triple threat and has a classically trained voice to match those amazing dancer’s gams.
Nicole Scherzinger
“I grew up loving to sing, act and dance and began training at the youth Performing Arts High School in Louisville, Kentucky.” Scherzinger’s career started when she landed her first professional acting job at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, then went into summer stock companies of A Chorus Line (Diana) and The King and I (Tuptim). “I always thought I would end up on Broadway with the rest of my friends. But my heart led me to California to be a recording artist. Along the way, I’ve been blessed to be offered the London and New York casts of a few musicals but felt it wasn’t the right time.”
Theatre came roaring back into the picture when friend and director/choreographer Adam Shankman (currently judging So You Think You Can Dance) suggested she audition for Rent. Scherzinger ran out on her lunch break from Dancing with the Stars to sing for the director. “I showed up at the audition with a big smile on my face, Latin ballroom dancing shoes still on my feet and sang my heart out. I’m so happy they said yes because it’s a wonderful opportunity to get back on stage and the time commitment works out perfectly. Rent at the Hollywood Bowl is the ideal way to feed the musical theatre artist in me.” she smiles, “For now anyway.” Hmm! And could this also be the perfect venue for Scherzinger to be seen by Broadway producers looking for their next leading lady?
“The last time I was at the Bowl I saw Diana Ross take the stage and oh! was that ever an inspirational experience. I can’t wait to have at it. I know I’m going to enjoy every moment up on that stage under the stars with everyone. This is my first time performing at the Bowl and it has definitely been one of my dreams. What a magical place!”
Artists reflecting on their careers often recall a pivotal moment where all the pieces appeared to come together projecting them into a successful upward spiral. Scherzinger explains, “This year alone, I’ve won Dancing with the Stars, got cast in Rent and I’m recording my solo album with Redone and Ron Fair to be released soon. My family, loved ones and I are in good health and spirits. I am so blessed. So to answer your question, I’d have to say right now feels like the perfect upward spiral! And the sky’s the limit. Every day is a new beginning. Another chance, another choice.” She joyfully adds, “And. we’ve only just begun!”
Scherzinger joins Skylar Astin, Wayne Brady and Vanessa Hudgens for three eagerly awaited performances on Aug. 6-8. Tim Weil, the original Broadway musical supervisor and conductor does the same for this fully staged production, working with Neil Patrick Harris who is making his debut directing a musical.
Carmen Cusack and Mitzi Gaynor
Photo by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging
OPENING NIGHT CHAT: South Pacific continues at the Ahmanson Theatre until July 17. It’s a revival filled with nostalgia which also seems to take a sharper look into the story derived from James A. Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Tales of the South Pacific, as it depicts the effect of World War II on many Pacific Islanders. Opening night audience heads turned when Mitzi Gaynor (Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film version) arrived looking dazzlingly effervescent in bright blue sequins. Most people may not realize Los Angeles Civic Light Opera impresario Edwin Lester was responsible for the casting of Metropolitan Opera star Ezio Pinza as Emile De Becque (played by Rod Gilfry on opening night) in the original 1949 Broadway production. Lester had signed Pinza to a new musical and when it fell through was obligated to pay $25,000 whether or not he performed. Searching for a new vehicle for his “expensive” star, he called Rodgers and Hammerstein who eagerly offered Pinza his Tony Award-winning role. Mary Martin also garnered a Tony for her portrayal of Nellie, currently being sung to perfection by Carmen Cusack. She was photographed backstage with Martin’s Broadway replacement Shirley Jones and Barbara Luna who played one of De Becque’s children. Ah, how time flies! The surprise performance of the evening is given by Keala Settle as Bloody Mary who turns Happy Talk into a “Mama Rose” statement to her daughter and gives the audience a new perspective on life in the South Pacific.
THE BIZ REPORT: On July 20 Pasadena’s Mayor Bill Bogaard will take part in A Noise Within’s groundbreaking opening celebration of their new state-of-the-art 300-seat, permanent home in Pasadena. Founded in 1992 ANW is Southern California’s only year-round classical repertory company. Co-Founder/Co-Artistic Directors Julia Rodriquez-Elliott and Geoff Elliott proudly report they have raised $10.1 million of the $13.3 million goal. The 33,000-square-foot facility is the centerpiece of a mixed-use development in the historic Stuart Pharmaceutical building at Foothill Blvd. where the company is slated to begin its 20th season in Fall 2011.
Michael Shepperd
CHIT CHAT: Celebration Theatre in association with David Elzer presents the LA premiere of Broadway’s sensational [title of show] directed by Michael A. Shepperd, July 16-Sept. 5. It is a musical about making a musical created by - and for - people who love musicals. If you’re wondering whether it’s your kind of show and worth purchasing a ticket, consider Charles Isherwood’s New York Times quote, “Calling all show queens. Have I got a show for you!” Elzer’s not-to-miss other musical sensation Life Could be a Dream extends yet again at the Hudson to July 25 marking its one year anniversary. A second company of Dream opens the Laguna Playhouse summer season and runs through Aug. 29…Musical Theatre West presents 1776 July 9-25 with Steve Glaudini reprising his 2004 Ovation Award winning role as John Adams. The stellar cast includes Davis Gaines, Steve Vinovich, John Bisom, Andy Umberger, Tami Tappan Damiano and Robert J. Townsend…La Mirada Theatre has cast Marilu Henner and Caroline Aaron in Charles Busch’s play, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife directed by Jeff Maynard. It is set to run Oct. 1-17. Auditions for the remaining three roles begin July 29.
