Hollywood & Highland Center: Holidays 2010

Archway bridges popular to view the Hollywood sign.

These are shots of the Hollywood & Highland Center during this December 2010 weekend. A tent obscured the center's courtyard to promote a marathon contest to view the DVD collection of the Fox television series "24". See the related post for more photos/description of the center. More info at hollywoodandhighland.com.

Archway and bridges

Elephant columns at dusk

Courtyard facing west

Courtyard facing south & "24" DVD tent

The Highlands Nightclub

The center's Hollywood Plaza with the Rolling Stone LA lounge & nightclub

The Elephant Card & Fossil at H&H

When shopping and eating at the Hollywood & Highland Center be sure to pick up an Elephant Card at the information desk or sign-up online prior to your visit savings while visiting the center. Discounts may also apply to some attractions nearby.

The card was good for 10% at some of the eateries I visited such as Johnny Rockets and could have been used for a free tiramisu at Travestere Ristorante Italiano if I wasn't filled by my entree last night.

For today the card allowed for 10% off my total purchase at the Fossil store. Their watches, wallets and sunglasses have been part of my traveling accessories and it is a brand I have come to trust for the value, durability and classic yet stylish designs. With a screw lost on my current pair of sunglasses, it was an appropriate time to pick up a replacement since I may find a pair here that I may not find back home. I've come to learn each Fossil store does not always carry the same merchandise and sometimes items in the store are no longer found online either. I found their Carlo design of sunglasses which I liked and picked up a case and saved 10% on both.

Click here for more info about the Elephant Card, current discounts and to register for one.

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)

The Big Macaroni at Hollywood & Highland

With the "24" DVD viewing competition around the corner and this huge macaroni it appears no advertiser is missing the opportunity to promote something to the masses at the Hollywood & Highland Center.

This big noodle in front of the Kodak Theatre is part of a Kraft Macaroni & Cheese campaign to promote the American favorite to adults. It's meant to remind them of their childhood and to give them reason to still consume the stuff as grownups. 

This smiling fiberglass noodle weighs 2,000 pounds and measures 20 feet long, 9 feet high and 4.5 feet wide. The noodle has also made appearances at other high traffic areas including Pier 39 in San Francisco, Wrigley Field in Chicago and the Santa Monica Pier. 

'24' Marathon Challenge at Hollywood & Highland

Tent housing the competition

Before heading out to the Music Center, I decided to check out the curious white tent in the Hollywood & Highland courtyard. There were no signs whatsoever explaining what it was for. But I assume it was related to the Fox television series "24" because of the exhibition of props also in the courtyard.

After checking with the center's information desk, the tent was erected for a contest. Three days ago on Dec 2, one hundred dedicated fans of the show began an attempt to break the Guinness World Record of 86 hours for the longest, continuous television viewing, in this case while watching "24." The last alert person with his or eyes on the screen wins $10,000.

Counter Terrorist Unit vehicle.

The contestants cannot shower, cannot bring anything with them inside the tent and can never take their eyes off the screens playing the "24" DVD. Every two hours the competitors receive a 10-minute break as well as three meals, drinks and snacks supplied by the nearby Hard Rock Cafe. Judges wearing Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) clothing eliminate contestants who fail to remain awake.

Faux Los Angeles Times.

All of this was to promote the December 14 release of "24: The Complete Series on DVD" which includes all eight seasons of the series, the "24 Redemption" telefilm and a bonus disk. For fans and curious visitors to the center, an array of props from the show fronted the tent.

You may think this is crazy but think about your all time favorite series. Would you be willing to stay awake to watch you favorite show for just as long for $10,000 with bathroom breaks of course? One curious thing. How do you prepare for such a contest? Perhaps stay asleep for four days prior to the contest start.

Dec 6, 2010 Update: Three fans broke the Guinness record of consecutive television viewing at 86 hours 6 minutes and 41 seconds. Each won $10,000.

Props from the television series "24"

Twist: Restaurant at the Renaissance Hollywood

Entrance to Twist on mezzanine level.

This is one of the continuing series of posts about the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. I normally do not have breakfast in the hotel just because they are often overpriced and there are more reasonable or better choices nearby. But because this weekend was a slow time for the hotel, a room with breakfast special that was only four dollars more than the regular room rate was a deal I could not pass up.

I've always found the service at Marriott Hotel brands waiver but rather consistent at its Renaissance Hotels I've patronized over the years. For breakfast, the wait staff should be aware if you're looking to take a long lazy meal or if you're looking to eat and go. Here at Twist, my server sensed I was going to make only one pass at the buffet but kept my coffee cup full and the check was ready by the time I finished.

As far as breakfasts go the food choices are what is expected of a hotel buffet. But it does include a hot food station with a cook preparing omelets your way or pancakes and waffles. The difference was Texas French toast which I learned included cinnamon to differentiate it from the regular kind.

The dining room is bright and airy with high ceilings and some tables along the windows overlooking Highland and the Hollywood Hills

The restaurant is open for breakfast daily. However with easy access for hotel guests to dine at the Hollywood & Highland Center, the restaurant alters its hours for lunch or dinner. Call the restaurant for their current hours. Click here for more info.

The morning sun reaches into the dining room.

The spacious dining room.