Donna in Hollywoodland

Friday Night Theatre

This evening I went to the Elephant Theatre on Santa Monica Blvd to see a play. The title was Never Tell and the instructor of my Commercial Acting Class, Chris Game, was in the play.

First, I had to go through the painful experience of finding someone who would go with me. Most of my friends are Film Buffs. During the times I have mentioned that I also sometimes volunteer for live theatre - many of my friends have let me know point blank that I can never expect them to go see me in any live performance, because they absolutely will not sit through live theatre.
Hey, I even have some friends who won't watch television.
In their opinion, if its not on the Big Screen of a Movie Theatre, then its not worth their time.
Die Hard Film Buffs - thats most of the people I have ended up socializing with.

But I did know one other Egyptian Theatre volunteer who has said he makes a point to see Live Theatre in Los Angeles on a regular basis.I made plans to pick him up at the Egyptian since he didn't have a car.
And its Friday night... what where we thinking ? Hollywood was packed. He wasn't waiting in the front on Hollywood Blvd, and I couldn't find free parking anywhere. After 15 minutes of driving around, I finally parked right behind the Egyptian - a big no-no for the volunteers.
My friend was sitting in the courtyard reading a book. "Come on, Come on, I couldn't find parking" - as I went running back to my car before it was towed.

I didn't realize that the Elephant Theatre was such a big complex. Four different theatres. And very nice inside. When we arrive, there were people in line for other plays besides ours. We spent our time finding the Ladies Room (for me), and chatting with the Ushers and Tickets Takers.

The play was really dramatic. And very interesting. There is a review on-line at : LA Weekly . The way they staged it was excellent. The design of the stage, how the scene changes were done were great. I did enjoy the performances of the actors as well.

During intermission, I filled out the Guest List book, and I talked to the Box Office person about volunteering there to be an usher or ticket taker.

After the play, we hung around waiting for my acting teacher to come out. One of my classmates from the acting class was also there with a friend, so we spent some time chatting. Then the five of us stood around and chatted for a bit, and told my instructor how much we enjoyed his play. And I made a point of telling him that I had signed the guest book, and was interested in volunteering. I also made sure I
mentioned that the Egyptian was having a Marlon Brando weekend in June, since the instructor had mentioned him in class as an actor we could all learn from.

I dropped my friend off at the Hollywood and Highland Metro Line (More crazy traffic). And then as I was driving home I realized that one of my other classmates was also in the play, and I forgot to say hello to her.
And I forgot to pull out my brand new camera phone and take any kind of pictures for the blog .... oh, well, next time ....