Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
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.
Theater Review: Songs and Dances of Imaginary Lands
Songs and Dances of Imaginary Lands features the song 'Change' with singers (l-r): Cesili Williams, Patty Cornell, Deon Sams, Matthew McCray, Jamey Hood and Alan Jay House | Photo: Michael Tullberg
()
Songs and Dances of Imaginary Lands features the song 'Change' with singers (l-r): Cesili Williams, Patty Cornell, Deon Sams, Matthew McCray, Jamey Hood and Alan Jay House | Photo: Michael Tullberg
- by Ellen Reid for LAist
Usually, an abandoned car dealership would be on the list of least likely places to ever see contemporary opera. But in the case of Songs and Dances of Imaginary Lands, it is the only place. Directed by O-Lan Jones, the opera was developed over the course of seven years. It is a large-scale production that showcases the work of 13 composers, 21 librettists, a company of more than 20 actors, an orchestra of seven musicians and a list of collaborators that exceeds 100. No one would argue that it was an ambitious production, but Imaginary Lands proved to be an example of artistic quantity over quality.
The company of actors, dancers and musicians were musically adept and moved with ease through a diverse repertoire. They continually held multi-part vocal harmonies in a variety of styles and gelled with the seven piece orchestra conducted by David O, the musical director. But between the musical pieces, of which there are no less than 38, Imaginary Lands lost momentum. There was no central artistic vision that was evident by watching the piece. Instead of sucking the audience into the dream world and transporting them through music and movement, the majority of the audience had to schlep around their own chairs in order to chase the action that occurred in various locales throughout the abandoned dealership.
Support for LAist comes from
But there were some really nice moments in the production, for example “Wet Footsteps” (lyrics by Deb Gwinn, music by John Ballinger) was spatially, musically and visually compelling. But in general, the entire evening felt long.
Songs and Dances of Imaginary Lands did receive a standing ovation, so there is no doubt that it strikes a chord with certain viewers. If you go, do not ride “coach” ($25 tickets) or you will have to carry around your chair for the entire performance! Ride a bicycle-drawn rickshaw for $50 or the Overtone Express train for $40.
Songs and Dances of Imaginary Lands
at The Songs & Dances Warehouse
8810 Washington Blvd., Culver City
Shows Thursdays to Sundays through July 18.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake. -
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
Best of LAist