ALONG COMES MARY

Here in Los Angeles, we probably get just a few days of rain a year, but let me tell you, when we do, we tend to be a little wimpy…or, I do, anyways. Nonetheless, I am SO glad I braved the wet ‘n windy conditions this past weekend for an amazing tour of The Music Center in Downtown LA. A huge thanks to LA Explorer for organizing this tour for us bloggers.

Theres much rich history downtown, with the center being at the forefront. Housing 4 venues: The Dorothy Chandler, Mark Taper, The Ahmanson & The Disney Concert Hall, we got to get a glimpse into this magical architecture & “Living Room” of LA.

We began our trek at 10am, meeting the adorable “Symphonian” (tour guide), Robert,below inside The Taper,  who couldn’t have been more fun, entertaining & witty throughout our 2 hours with him. Beginning at The Disney Hall, which opened in 2003, we learned much about the process of designing this artful masterpiece, which traces back to 1986 with Walt Disney’s widow, Lillian & his late Daughter, Diane, pledging $50 million to design what would become the very FIRST venue designed as a concert hall, most venues we know & love were not built with intent just for classical music….which I did not realize!

One thing Lillian insisted: Architect Frank Geary make this building happen. Although it took several years, he indeed did make this hall what it is; wanting it to be “Los Angeles’ Living Room”, meaning somewhere that you cannot only come out to see world-class music, but also simply live & hang out. Thus,” the metaphysical garden” that is right outside the hall. Coming in as California’s smallest state historic park (!), this ‘backyard’ is right there off Grand for all to enjoy; I was eyeing the tables & chairs overlooking the gorgeous “Lillian” fountain (below), to maybe go back & read a book at one of these dryer days.

Over at The Ahmanson Theatre, Robert told us many interesting tid bits & we learned about the poor “shoebox construction” in its original days, complete with a restaurant to stage left! Following its beautiful run of Phantom of the Opera in 1995, they closed up shop for a makeover & now is continued to be one of the best venues in LA to see your favorite Broadway shows; Peter and the Star Catcher is up next, which looks awesome 🙂

As a wanna-be theatre tech, I would say I was most excited to see The Mark Taper Forum & learn so much about it that I was unaware. Considered a “Thinking Man’s Theatre”, it was actually built to be a lecture hall, but since its own makeover, has become one of the most prominent venues to see new plays in LA. One of my favorites is Angels in America, which I had NO idea had its premiere right there at The Taper!

Until about 5 years ago, The Academy Awards home was right here at The Dorothy Chandler Pavillion. Seeing this theatre was breathtaking & to wonder what stars have sat in seats I got to see & touch was so fun. I had often wondered, who was Dorothy Chandler? She was a bold, wealthy gal who’s hubby was Norman Chandler, who owned The LA Times. When New York’s Lincoln Center was born, that’s when Dorothy put her thinking cap on to raise money for LA to have their own center. Inside, its chic & sophisticated, with a gorgeous VIP room & much space for a wedding or banquet.

This was such a fabulous morning, & if you would like to experience all of this for yourself, you can! These tours are free & open to all. Get more info by clicking here, & see if you can be in Robert’s group! 😉