Here are the five shows you need to see: This Weekend in LA (5/18-5/20)
– The Broad Stage
May 18-20
Dorothy Parker was one-of-a-kind. Her famous criticism of Katharine Hepburn (“She runs the gamut of emotions from A-to-B”), her wonderful turn of phrase (when asked to use “horticulture” in a sentence she replied, “You can lead a whore to culture, but you can’t make her think”) and her well-known toast (“One tequila, two at the most, three I’m under the table, four I’m under the host”) make her one of America’s greatest and funniest writers. Impro Theatre will have to be on their toes to match Parker’s wit in this show where the audience helps shape the story being told.
LA Chamber Orchestra 50th Season Finale – Alex Theatre/Royce Hall
May 19 – May 20
The 50th Season of the LA Chamber Orchestra comes to a close with these two performances. On the program are Vivaldi’s Concerto Grosso in D Minor (the first work performed by the group 50 years ago); Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1; new works by Derrick Spiva Jr., and Mozart’s Symphony No. 39. Grant Gershon will be conducting these two concerts (one at each venue listed above.) Interestingly, Joshua Roman is performing the cello concerto instead of Sheku Kanneh-Mason who was asked to play at the Royal Wedding this weekend. For more information about the start of the LACO, check out our interview with one of the organization’s founders, James Arkatov.
Schumann Focus: Symphony #2 – Walt Disney Concert Hall
May 19 – May 20
Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic continue their exploration of Robert Schumann’s work. Mitsuko Uchida returns for two more performances of the beloved Piano Concerto in A Minor. The Philharmonic will be playing Schumann’s 2nd Symphony for these two concerts on Saturday and Sunday. The Schumann Focus series will continue next week with the 3rd and 4th symphonies and the cello concerto.
The Love Potion – Long Beach Opera
May 19
Richard Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde is one of the world’s most famous operas. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only way to tell their story. The Love Potion, written by Swiss composer Frank Martin, is another opera about these doomed lovers. This is a chamber opera instead of the big sounds that Wagner employed in his telling. The opera premiered in 1942 and the Long Beach Opera’s production is the first time it’s been presented there. Bernard Holcomb plays Tristan and Jamie Chamberlin is Isolde. Ben Makino conducts this production which is directed by Andreas Mitisek.
Audra McDonald – Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
May 20th (afternoon show)
What’s left to be said about 6-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald? What’s new is her recording Sing Happy which finds her performing with the New York Philharmonic. Amongst the songs included are “I Am What I Am” from La Cage Aux Folles, “Cornet Man” and a new song from composer Adam Guettel (The Light in the Piazza) called “March Is a Windy Month” from his upcoming musical Millions. Whatever is on the set list for this concert (being performed with the LA Opera Orchestra), it will no doubt be special.