These are the 5 shows you should see This Weekend in LA (3/23-3/25)
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra/Chick Corea/Kurt Elling – Walt Disney Concert Hall
March 23rd
Any opportunity to see the legendary pianist Chick Corea is a welcome one indeed. This master of the keyboard has played with Miles Davis, Lionel Hampton, Herbie Hancock and countless others. In this show he’ll be showcasing some of his compositions with the assistance of the always impressive Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Opening the show is Kurt Elling who will sing jazz standards as only he can.
For those of you in San Diego, this show will be at the Copley Symphony Hall on Saturday. And for those in Orange County, the show will be at Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa on Sunday. Mr. Elling will not be part of those two concerts.
Lynda Carter – Catalina Bar & Grill
March 23-24
I can’t think of a better time for Lynda Carter to be taking the stage at Catalina Bar & Grill. Last year’s Wonder Woman feature was a smash success worldwide. Ms. Carter will be getting her star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood in April. And most importantly for someone who is going to be singing, she has a new album that was just released called Red Rock ‘n’ Blues. On the recording she sings such songs as “Take Me to the River,” “God Bless the Child,” “Stop in the Name of Love” and Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire.” Clearly there is a demand to see her as Saturday’s show is already sold out.
The Phantom Tollbooth – South Coast Repertory
March 24-25
The classic novel by Norton Juster has been adapted by Susan Nanus for this play designed for children of all ages and performed by South Coast Rep’s Junior Players as they tell the story of Milo who finds himself transported to the Land of Wisdom. If only we had such a tollbooth for our leaders. These are matinee performances on both Saturday and Sunday.
The Invention of Morel – Long Beach Opera
March 24-25
When we last hear from Stewart Copeland (yes, from The Police), he had written a big score for the silent movie version of Ben-Hur. That was performed at the Valley Performing Arts Center. Now he’s back with an opera entitled The Invention of Morel which is having its world premiere at Long Beach Opera.
The story is a classic trouble in paradise story with a twist. A fugitive finds himself madly in love with a beautiful tourist. What he doesn’t know is that these tourists also occupy an alternate universe controlled by the titular madman, Morel. It’s doubtful this one has a happy ending.
Taylor Mac: A 24-Decade History of Popular Music – Theatre at the Ace Hotel/CapUCLA
March 24
It appears tickets are sold out for the last 6-hour installment of Taylor Mac’s A 24-Decade History of Popular Music. But if you can find yourself a ticket, you will experience one of the most unique performance art shows of this, or any other, year. We spoke with Taylor Mac about this unique view of American history through popular song. Part one can be found here. Part two can be found here. Go!
