One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Bust a Move with Show at Barre's 'For the Record: John Hughes (Holiday Road)'
Barrett Foa performs "Weird Science" in "For the Record: John Hughes (Holiday Road) (Photo courtesy of Show at Barre)
Few writers touched as many hearts in the 1980s and 1990s as the late, great John Hughes. Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Weird Science, Home Alone…. just one look at his IMDB page will overwhelm you with memories of angst and wonder. His films included not only lovable characters and memorable lines, but also some infectious tunes.
The music featured in John Hughes’s films is currently getting a delightful cabaret tribute with “For the Record: John Hughes (Holiday Road)” at Show at Barre. We’re already on the record as loving The Coen Bros. and Baz Luhrmann shows, and this show does not disappoint. The strength of the Coen Bros. show was the ability to get to know the characters and weave a loose plot thanks to a focus on The Big Lebowski and O Brother, Where Art Thou? For the John Hughes tribute, directors Shane Scheel and Christopher Bratten instead draw upon material from at least ten films. What the show lacks in story it more than makes up for in fun — just look at the video below of the cast dancing to “Weird Science” with bras resting on their heads.
In addition to re-experiencing the silly antics of classics like the Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, the audience will be seduced by the holiday spirit with festive songs like “Holiday Road,” “Christmas Vacation,” “Mele Kalikimaka,” and “All Alone On Christmas.” The audience is encouraged to wear their best (which means ugliest) holiday sweaters, but since Show at Barre continues to prove itself as one of the best date spots in town, you’ll be forgiven if you opt for something less bold. If you do wear an 80’s holiday sweater, however, you’ll be rewarded with a free “Griswold” cocktail from the Hughes-themed cocktail menu.
Featuring two stages, and with cast members singing and dancing in the aisles, the room is even more cramped this time. Fortunately, the wall separating Barre VT from the dining room next door is being torn down next year, giving the performers and audience a bit more breathing room. Despite the close quarters, the show makes clever use of every inch of space, from dancing on the bar to occasional action occurring outside.
Sponsored message
“For the Record” has assembled an enviable ensemble of talent that rotates daily. If you’re fortunate enough to attend a show featuring both Rogelio Douglas Jr. (Broadway’s In The Heights, The Little Mermaid) and Arielle Jacobs (Broadway’s In The Heights), you’ll never look at a John Hughes film the same way again.
Weekly performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9 pm, and Wednesday and Sunday at 8 pm, through Dec. 30, 2011. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased online. Online advance tickets are strongly encouraged. A special performance will also take place at the Ace Hotel Palm Springs on Friday, Dec 16th 2011 at 8pm.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
