Music

Ain’t Too Proud

• By CAROLINE LENHER
• Photo Courtesy of CENTER THEATRE GROUP

“A force almost as irresistible as any of the temptations’ greatest hits.” -Los Angeles Times

See the international superstar vocal group’s extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations. This musical tells the thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal as the group’s personal and political conflicts threatened to tear them apart during a decade of civil unrest in America. The legendary quintet, or the “Classic Five,” were known globally for their silky-smooth harmonies and signature dance moves, all captured in this unforgettable musical.

The creative team behind Ain’t Too Proud is also legendary. Obie Award winner Dominique Morisseau wrote the story brought to life by two-time Tony® Award Winning director Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys) and Tony® Award Winning choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys).

“Dazzling! This show will blow you away.” – The Washington Post

Ain’t Too Proud was nominated for twelve Tony® Awards, winning Best Choreography. The musical includes the group’s most treasured hits, including “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” My Girl,” “In the Still of the Night,” “Get Ready,” “Gloria,” “Dhout,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and so many more.

Performances begin at the Ahmanson Theatre on December 13.

More information and tickets, click here.

A Motown Holiday

• By Arlene Winnick
• Photo By Gregory Zabilski

No one puts on a show like the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles and this year’s wintertime concert has fabulous written all over it!  A Motown Holiday is a musical tribute to the unforgettable hits, superstar legends and holiday music that made Motown the music capital of the world. Glendale’s Alex Theatre will be the place to be and be seen on December 17 and 18.

The chorus will be singing and dancing to the season’s greatest from the greats of Motown:  The Temptations, The Supremes, The Ronettes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5… and beyond.

Adding to the extravaganza is special guest artist, Shanice, the R&B pop singer with Billboard hits “I Love Your Smile.” “Silent Prayer,” and “Saving Forever for You.”  Also appearing is The Motown Quartet featuring Thomas Hobson, Stu James, Frank Lawson and Dedrick Bonner.  The GMCLA may be a ‘chorus’ but this show is so much more! It’s filled with outrageous musical production numbers and heart-pounding dancing choreographed by the award-winning twin brother team of Frit & Frat.

Founded in 1979, GMCLA has spread its message of love and acceptance with concerts across the globe while remaining deeply rooted in service to the Los Angeles community and beyond by promoting civil rights, tolerance and acceptance through music. A Motown Holiday is a guaranteed ‘feel good’ event that deserves to be on everyone’s calendar.

For more details and tickets, click here.

The Soraya

• By Arlene Winnick

The Soraya has a delightful Holiday Series this month the whole family will enjoy.  December is the perfect time to enjoy this beautiful theater on the campus of Cal State Northridge. The series begins with the Watkins Family Hour Christmas when brother and sister duo Sean and Sara Watkins bring their popular bluegrass musical variety show to the stage.  Most renowned for their work in the trio Nickel Creek, the Watkins have received eight Grammy Award nominations over the years.  The evening also features singer-songwriter Margaret Glaspy.

All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 is a musical based on a remarkable true story when peace, camaraderie and music prevailed on the battlefield after a Germany soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.”

Nochebeuna, a popular holiday concert, is a lively celebration of Mexico’s Christmas traditions featuring Ballet Folklórico de Los Angeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar.

Alton Brown, chef and Food TV host, brings his culinary variety show Beyond the Eats, cooking, comedy, music, mayhem and some bizarre science experiments, to The Soraya.  Get ready for lots of audience interaction that is sure to please the foodie in all of us.

Lastly the London Handel Players make a rare West Coast appearance presenting A Baroque Christmas.  The nine-piece ensemble will perform excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s Christmas Oratoria and holiday works by Mozart and Vivaldi.

For more details and tickets, click here.

Holiday Family Faire

• By Arlene Winnick
• Photo By Jeanine Camcho

Many of you know Will Geer’s iconic Theatricum Botanicum for its many outstanding theatrical productions performed every summer in their amphitheater surrounding by a bucolic setting in Topanga Canyon.  The setting remains the same but this month it is transformed into their second annual Holiday Family Faire, an event featuring fun family activities, roaming carolers singing madrigals, storytelling (by Theatricum company members) celebrating the variety of holiday traditions including Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza plus an artisan market with lots of one-of-a-kind gifts and crafts….and of course Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be available to take memorable family photos. This year there’s an added special treat as cirque performer Lexi Pearl will perform her amazing aerial acts.  Festive food and drink will be available.

As a bonus there will be a musical presentation of American songwriter and musician Harry Nilsson’s “The Point” starring his son Kiefo Nilsson accompanied by a 14-piece orchestra.  In the story, young Oblio is the only round-headed person in the Pointed Village where by law everyone and everything must have a point. Oblio must learn how to deal with obstacles, adversity and bullies so we can all agree to celebrate our differences. A truly timeless, heartwarming and important tale.

The Holiday Family Faire takes place on Saturday December 10^th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  All proceeds go to support Theatricum Botanicum’s extensive artistic and educational programming.

For tickets and more details, click here.