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Lights Up On L.A. Theater

"Just a movie town" can no longer be applied to Los Angeles. The advent of the Music Center, the development and alliance of the move than 100 equity waiver theaters and the supporting workshops and showcase theaters have made Los Angeles an important and contributing theater metropolis.

The theater available to L.A. visitors comes as a welcome surprise. Angelenos have kept a low profile on their steadily growing theater network; but with more and more playwrights choosing to debut their plays in L.A.- and many more motion picture and stage actors choosing to perform in L.A.- the recognition as a theater stronghold has rapidly emerged. 

Renaissance of L.A. theater can be dated from the opening of the Music Center in 1964. The completion of the magnificent Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, then the Ahmanson and the Mark Taper Forum in 1967 gave Los Angeles a cultural epicenter. L.A's ensuing theatrical growth was phenomenal. 

What must be applauded is the support of the local citizenry. "Evita" recently finished a two-year run at the Shubert to sold-out houses. "A Chorus Line" ran for a year and a half and has returned for another run. Aside from the audience support, what has become increasingly evident is the contribution of L.A's talent network. 

Since 1972, we have witnessed the escalation of equity waiver theaters. Small theaters of less than 99 seats, they have become spawning grounds for talented actors and writers. Over 115 equity waiver houses are supported by the Los Angeles theatergoers. The quality and originality of their work is being recognized and appreciated nationally.

"The Gin Game" by D.L. Coburn premiered at the American Theatre Arts, an L.A. waiver theater in 1976, then went on to New York to become a starring vehicle for Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn and won a Pulitzer for Dramatic Literature in 1978.

Young playwright Beth Henley came to the fore with "The Miss Firecracker Contest" at an L.A waiver house. Henley later went on to win a Pulitzer with "Crimes of the Heart" on Broadway. 

This crossover with "Nuts" and "The Fox", which moved to the 350-seat L.A Stage Company. The Cast Theatre's production of "The Hasty Heart" moved to the Ahmanson at the Music Center this March.

This healthy trend is on its way to rival New York's showcase-to-broadway record. The waiver theaters and mid-houses are havens for film actors and actresses to "stretch" in challenging roles. Jon Voight, Gena Rowlands, John Cassavetes, Ralph Waite, Gregory Harrison and William Devane are just a few who appreciate the opportunity to try a different role or test an original play. 

The prolific Neil Simon has premiered many of his plays at the Music Center. " California Suite,""Chapter Two""They're Playing Our Song," and "I Ought to Be in Pictures" all moved to New York after their initial success in Los Angeles.

The Ahmanson Theatre has provided an opportunity for major motion picture stars to perform in exciting vehicles. Ingrid Bergman, Katharine Hepburn, Greer Garson, Faye Dunaway, Richard Chamberlain, Jack Lemmon, and Charlton Heston are just a few who have graced the Ahmanson stage in L.A, -originated productions.

The Mark Taper Forum, under the direction of Gordon Davidson, has spearheaded a remarkable repertoire of experimental productions that have garnered Broadway and international awards such as "Children of a lesser God,""Shadow Box" and "Talley's Folly."

Aside from the three-theater Music Center, L.A. has the magnificent Shubert in Century City and the former premier movie house, the Pantages in Hollywood. The Huntington Hartford and the Wilshire often present original productions as well as touring companies. The recent re-emergence of the mid-size houses(300 to 500 seats) has been a significant development. The Gallery, L.A. Stage Company, Solari, Mayfair, Westwood, and Coronet are ideal stepping off points for successful waiver productions. 

Of Great Interest to the theatergoers is the renovation of the world-famous Pasadena Playhouse. After being dark for ten years,

[[image - Two gentlemen and Cicely Tyson]]

[[image - Gregory and Pryor]]

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Transcription Notes:
Two photos [First photo, Two gentlemen and one woman named Cicely Tyson] [Second Photo, Two Gentlemen named Gregory and Pryor]