Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/21555
by Nyla Arslanian freedom to make the character my own— smart, funny and warm.” Both Kyle and Ali noted what a thrill it was that Arthur Lawrents, who originally wrote and directed the show, worked with them, and gave suggestions to develop their characters. At 93, he provided moti- vation and encouraged the cast to bring their own insights into the process to give the show new life to make it relevant to today’s audience. The production of “West Side Story” is fol- lowed by another youthfully exuberant musical “Hair”, the Public Theatre’s new Tony®- winning production about a group of young Americans searching for peace and love in a turbulent time that took Broadway by storm. Then in February Tony Award® nominee “Rock of Ages”, an arena-rock love story set in 1987 on the Sunset Strip arrives at the theatre. Wayne McWhorter, Director of Market- ing, at the Pantages is delighted that ticket sales are brisk. He speculated that per- haps a renewed interest in the musical the- atre genre that could be a result of the popular success of the TV series “Glee” which focuses on young theatre hopefuls and musical numbers. As well, films such as “Nine” and “Burlesque” are introducing musical plays to a new generation. This season theatergoers will also be treated to “Traces”, a brand new theatrical entertainment that combines an awe-inspiring acrobatic experi- ence with infectious urban energy that the Ned- erlander Organization is bringing to the Ricardo Montalban Theatre. “It’s breaking all records in Chicago right now,” said McWhorter. “I’m excited to bring it to our L.A. audience.” musical feels like it was written today,” said Daniel Henning, artistic director of The Blank. Whether it’s hit TV shows, films, Lady Gaga or Disney’s Cinderella that brings you to the real mu- sical theatre, a veritable feast awaits at the spec- tacular Pantages, the Montalban or the intimate Stella Adler. Dive in and enjoy! Theatre has arrived in all its glory and it’s lights up in Hollywood. DH WINTER 2010 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 47 Rex Smith to star in The Blank Theatre Company’s “The Cradle Will Rock”. Not to be over- looked in this sea- son's lineup, the Blank Theatre Company will bring back its hit "The Cradle Will Rock," starring Broadway and pop-star Rex Smith which opens at the Stella Adler Theatre on February 5th and is part of the celebration of the Blank's 20th anniversary. “I am very excited to revisiting this groundbreaking mu- sical with such an exceptionally talented cast. Al- though written in 1937, this hysterically funny “Rock of Ages” will rock Hollywood in February.