High on Enjoyment, Low on Detective Work: ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’
By Charly SHELTON Sherlock Holmes is back on the case with the sequel to 2009’s “Sherlock Holmes” reboot, once again starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law and directed by Guy Ritchie. Where the last movie showed Holmes’ skill to solve problems when facing the impossible with mind versus “magic,” this film has Holmes pitted […]
“Hallelujah!”: L.A. Master Chorale Celebrates 31st Messiah Sing-Along
By Ted AYALA On Monday at Walt Disney Hall, the men and women comprising the Los Angeles Master Chorale (LAMC) took a break and sat out the performance scheduled that night. In their place were over 2,200 enthusiastic amateurs eager to participate in the LAMC’s 31st annual sing-along performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” Joining them was […]
“The Snow Queen” Ballet Celebrates 14th Season
The series of rehearsals for California Contemporary Ballet’s “The Snow Queen” Ballet (www.snowqueenballet.com) have been underway for over five hours and for Isabella Bunting of Glendale, her most challenging rehearsal of the day lays ahead of her. When director Erin Holt enters the rehearsal studio, Bunting dutifully ties her Pointe shoe ribbons and tests her […]
It’s a Lovey Dove ‘New Year’s Eve’
By Charly SHELTON Exactly one week after Christmas, we ring in the new year with celebration, drinking, love and streamers. And with films like “Love, Actually” for Christmas and “Valentines Day” for Feb. 14, it’s about time New Year’s Eve got a mention. Like similar films before it, “New Year’s Eve” follows several love stories […]
A Time of Reflection and Celebration for LACO
By Ted AYALA Saturday’s Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) concert at the Alex Theatre was one that was appropriately entitled “Reflection.” Binding the program were the works of 19th, 20th, and 21st century composers reflecting on and finding inspiration in the music of the baroque and early classical eras. But the night was also one […]
New Years Eve
Sherlock Holmes
Daniel Chaney: A Tenor’s Path from Montana to Los Angeles
By Ted AYALA If you conducted a survey of people from out of state on why they moved to Los Angeles, among the top five answers you’re likely to hear is the lure of the region’s weather. Southern California has long been an attractive destination for people from colder regions eager to enjoy the area’s […]
Strong Acting Can’t Save “Young Adult”
By Charly SHELTON After the success of “Up in the Air,” director Jason Reitman once again hits the screen with an Oscar contender in the Diablo Cody penned drama, “Young Adult.” This movie follows 30-something, young adult fiction ghostwriter Mavis Gary (an admittedly autobiographical character based on Cody played by Charlize Theron) and her […]