On The Boulevard: Kodak Theatre

Cirque Du Soleil Iris will exclusively play the Kodak Thetre.

Grand Entrance along Hollywood Blvd

This is one of a series of posts called "On the Boulevard" about attractions on Hollywood Boulevard.

For true movie fans, a visit to the Kodak Theatre is a must and serves as the centerpiece of the Hollywood & Highland Center. The $94 million venue opened in 2001 and seats 3,332 to become the permanent home of the annual Academy Awards ceremony.

The venue also serves to host concerts and is a location for presidential debates. It has been a location for American Idol and will be the exclusive home to Cirque Du Soleil Iris billed as "a journey through the world of cinema."

Begin your visit at the grand entrance along Hollywood Boulevard. The glimmering two-story Awards Walk features backlit plaques of every Best Picture Winner on the columns on either side of a sweeping staircase that leads to the theatre.

Above and below: Awards Walk

Columns listing every Best Picture Winner.

Now there are guided tours offered but there has to be something said for a venue to call itself the 'Kodak Theatre' and not allow any photographs to be taken inside. It is spectacular to see the auditorium and stand on the theatre stage. Tour guides also give visitors an idea of the experience of guests attending the Oscars ceremony.

When visiting its obvious the theatre is surrounded by so much retail along Hollywood Boulevard and even on both sides on two levels of Awards Walk. During the Academy Awards, all these businesses close for the day. All the retailers along Awards Walk are hidden by curtains and the shops along Hollywood Boulevard obscured by bleachers and barricades. Even the marquee of the El Capitan Theatre across the street removes the name of the current feature film playing the movie house.

Rotunda fronting the theatre's doors.

More info at kodaktheatre.com. Tours take place Mon-Sun 10am-4pm and depart every half hour from level 2 and lasts about 30 minutes. Tickets available at the theatre box office located on the first level. Prices: Adults $25, Children $10. CityPass attraction. (note: photos from 2009 & 2010).

Review: "Next to Normal" Tour at the Ahmanson

“Next to Normal,” kicking off a North American Tour at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, has transitioned from Broadway with the impressive task to justify its Pulitzer Prize and to win audiences over with an unusual musical subject matter.

Alice Ripley (Diane)

The story focuses on Diana (Alice Ripley) who falls into a mixed reality after a period of apparent calm and in turn is now assaulted by a trial-and-error medical solution. Her husband, daughter and son all cope differently with her behavior that rides the edges between adjustment and insanity. A revelation midway in the first act adds a further layer to the family’s state of mind and existence.

Ripley who received a Tony Award for her performance brings a new found refinement to the role that on Broadway was often glorious but also manic, uneven and strange. The audience can now enjoy the performance without being distracted by it. The role is also a big task for Ripley with its almost sung through format of pop, rock and ballads. Though not showstoppers she excels in the latter with “I Missed the Mountains” and “I Dreamed a Dance.”

l to r: Curtis Hansen (Gabe), Ripley and Asa Somers (Dan)

The sung through format does seem repetitious with only a few numbers built to feel like actual songs. Also there appears to be a void of one defining and signature number for Diana left empty by composer Tom Kitt and lyricist Brian Yorkey.

Surrounding Ripley is a cast who invests themselves wholeheartedly into their roles. They stand tall, if not taller, compared to their counterparts on Broadway. Their cohesive performances add a new depth of emotion that I found lacking in New York.

Preston Sadleir & Emma Hunton

Outstanding is Emma Hunton as the daughter Natalie. Her advantage is a role that extends beyond the family in a relationship with a stoner boyfriend (Preston Sadleir). She reveals a guilt about her mother that adds fuel to their difficult relationship. Hunton delivers strong vocals and humor as necessary.

Asa Somers as Diana's husband Dan and Curt Hansen as their son Gabe bring peripheral roles forward. Somers finds the heart as the faithful rock trying to hold the remains of a family together. It’s unclear if his devotion is out of love or owing up to a promise of marriage but his final scene with Hansen completes the emotional journey of the characters.

Ripley and Jeremy Kushnier

Hansen has the more difficult role of Gabe. Performer is required to deliver solid vocals in the rock number “I’m Alive” in addition to display a quiet but definitive connection to his mother that also drives her behavior. Hansen does not disappoint with the material he is given.

Audience reaction will partly depend on their view of mental illness and the progress of Diana's therapy.  A quick succession of meetings with doctors (Jeremy Kushnier) and the levity infused in their handling of treatments do not add any insight about persons diagnosed as bi-polar.

Hunton, Hansen & Sadleir

Set design is akin to a giant dollhouse but one fabricated of steel, scaffolding, chain link and fiberglass to become home, school and hospital. Combined with harsh white lighting and dazzling red, blue and purples the story is kept a firm distance from fantasy.

The subject matter is difficult and a hard sell. But the elements here lean towards a triumph. If the show fails to bring us closer to understanding its subject illness, it perhaps may inspire us for an inspection of our own lives and our search for what we believe is the meaning of being normal or happy and the sacrifices to achieve it.

The full cast

The DETAILS

• Website: nexttonormal.com for more info and additional tour dates and cities.
• Where: Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles
• When:  Tue-Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 1 & 6:30pm
• Running Time: 2 hrs 20 min
• Tickets Prices: $20 - $90
• Opening: Nov 23, 2010
• Closing: Jan 2, 2011
• Cast Recording: Next to Normal (Original Broadway Cast)
• More photos: click "read more" below

"Next to Normal" Video: North American Tour

These are video clips of "Next to Normal" as it begins a North American Tour.

This commercial, though advertising the Los Angeles stop of the tour, features clips from the original Broadway production.



Interview with the creators and cast.

The Ahmanson Theatre Seats "Next to Normal" - The Venue

Back in the summer of 1990 it was here at the Ahmanson Theatre where I saw Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" for the first time. Fourteen years later I would experience Baz Luhrman's "La Boheme" at this same venue. Today it would be viewing the dramatic musical "Next to Normal" on its North American Tour. See the next post for my review of the show.

As a modern built theatre, the Ahmanson is indeed quite plain and unstriking compared to the playhouses of the past such as those in London or New York. But it is modern, comfortable, spacious and appropriate to house both plays and musicals. After being renovated in 1995, the seating capacity can be reconfigured from 1,600 to 2,100 on three levels to host a variety of productions.

The plaza fronting the theatre makes it the perfect place to stretch during intermission. A concession stand is also set up outside.

The Ahmanson Theatre has been the tryout theatre and then the co-producer for several shows that eventually reached Broadway, most recently "9 to 5: The Musical" based on the Dolly Parton film of the same name. Earlier this fall the theatre hosted the premiere of the musical adaptation of the Steve Martin film "Leap of Faith." There is no word yet if it is to transfer to Broadway. "The Phantom of the Opera" holds the longest run at the Ahmanson playing from 1989 to 1993.

Auditorium (image: L.A. Music Center)

Construction of the Ahmanson was completed in 1967 and built with the generosity of its namesake, philanthropist Robert H. Ahmanson. The theatre posters within the theatre shows the remarkable past and diverse and popular productions it has hosted. The theatre is one of four venues at the Los Angeles Music Center. More info at centertheatregroup.org.

Los Angeles Music Center: Eating & More to Come

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion advertising the center's season. 

"Les Miserables" upcoming at the Ahmanson in summer 2011.

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the Music Center's Plaza

Mark Taper Forum

The Los Angeles Music Center is a massive complex that also includes the Mark Taper Forum, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and striking Disney Concert Hall. A post will be upcoming about a tour of the center. In the meantime lunch takes me to the Spotlight Cafe in the center's courtyard. It is one of several eateries open for patrons attending performances at one of the venues. Click here for more info about the center's restaurants and cafes.

The cafe's food is more of the gourmet type of cuisine but designed to go. For example my choice today was an antipasto deli plate ($5.95) which includes a standard variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives and peppers). With a can of red bull ($3.50, ouch!) and rice pudding ($1.75) for dessert I was re-energized for the remainder of the afternoon.

Other options for eating in the plaza near the Ahmanson Theatre are Tina Tacos (a gourmet taco stand) and the Pinot Grill (sit-down dining under a covered a patio offering grilled specialties). Tables and chairs are available around the Mark Taper Forum next to the Ahmanson.

(image: JinN./yelp)