“I’m tired of traveling and tired of being underpaid. … And I want to spend more time with my family. But then I get asked [to direct] again, and it sounds interesting.”
Author: Matthew Westphal
This Gives ‘My Fair Lady’ A Whole New Meaning: LA’s Center Theatre Group Developing Musical On Porn Industry
“Thank goodness there are no MPAA ratings for the live theater. A new stage musical about the San Fernando Valley’s porn industry is currently in the development phase. The production is a partnership between New York’s experimental group the Civilians and L.A.’s Center Theatre Group. The still-untitled show ‘will explore the real-life stories of the people who work in California’s pornography industry,’ according to CTG.”
Is England Only Just Now Discovering Outdoor Orchestra Concerts?
Conductor Charles Hazlewood writes that he’s “launching Play the Field, a new breed of orchestral festival … [n]ot in a cathedral or any august temple of the arts, but in a field on the Somerset Levels.” He says that outdoor concerts “have tended to be indifferent performances by under-rehearsed orchestras and third-rate conductors … Has anyone heard the Amsterdam Concertgebouw orchestra perform in a field? Or Simon Rattle conduct under the stars?” (Well, there’s Ravinia and Tanglewood, and the LA Phil at the Hollywood Bowl and the NY Phil in Central Park …)
CBS Takes The Box: Let’s Make A Deal To Return To Network TV
“Let’s Make A Deal, the 1960s and 1970s staple that featured audience members in wacky costumes taking a chance on what was behind door No. 3, will return to the CBS daytime schedule Oct. 5 with a new host but with many of the old games and structure.” The comedy/game show will replace the long-running soap opera The Guiding Light.
Mexico Restores Diego Rivera Murals In National Palace
“Diligent specialists are touching up missing color with watercolor paints, and using a weak alcohol solution to wash away dust and grime that the murals have collected. The restoration is expected to be completed in September.”
Indianapolis Symphony Fires Its Music Director
“The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announced today that the contract for Mario Venzago, its music director since 2002, will not be renewed.” Says the orchestra’s CEO, “His contract is decided on an annual basis, and we were unable to come to a new agreement. We’ve been discussing this for some time.” Venzago’s assistant says that only one “totally unacceptable” offer was made.
Annie Leibovitz Sued By Creditor
“An art finance company that lent Annie Leibovitz $24 million against the rights to her photographs and properties has filed a lawsuit asking a judge to order her to allow real estate agents into her homes in Greenwich Village and Rhinebeck, N.Y., so they can be sold to pay her debts.”
Palm Springs Art Museum Gets ‘Bonanza Of Contemporary Art’
“Composed of 116 pieces by 66 artists, the international trove” – collected and donated by Donna and Cargill MacMillan – “is particularly strong in sculpture, including pieces by Anish Kapoor, Louise Bourgeois, Donald Judd, Mona Hatoum and Gary Hume.”
Another Departure From Troubled Ballet BC: Interim Executive Director
“Andrew Wilhelm-Boyles, who was brought on in February to steer the company as interim executive director, has confirmed that he will not be renewing his contract with the organization.” Last month saw the departure of John Alleyne, for 16 years the company’s artistic director.
Baltimore Symphony Players Accept Pay Cut
“Musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra have agreed to take a 12.5 percent reduction in salary as part of contract concessions … Thursday’s announcement of another $900,000 in wage cuts and furloughs follows an agreement in April for the musicians to give back $1 million in raises and other benefits scheduled under their contract for next season.”