LA Opera,

135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

"William Grant Still, where have you been my whole life? I saw Highway 1, his Opera, today. It was in English, and was American. Some very powerful themes in it, and amazing performers. Personal Responsibility. Actions, Consequences, and learning from Behaviors. The music was 20th Century in a good way, the way you'd orchestrate a neighborhood. Somewhere between Ravel and Grofe, with some Jelly Roll Morton thrown in there. He touched on Br'er Rabbit and Br'er Fox (Brother) but you had to know that to get it. As William Conlon said, Dvorak's pleading for American's to use our source material, Jazz, the African American Experience, and our home stories to shape our music, becomes a mandate after hearing him. Right now I'm listening to Yamekraw, by this artist, and it's like coming home. People know I love ragtime, this is the Classical branch of that. Part two of the Double feature was The Dwarf, by Alexander Zemlinsky. Based on a story by Oscar Wilde, based on the painting Las Meninas by Velazquez. The story here was quite moving. Oscar Wilde of course, is amazing. The obvious tale of Beauty within, Ugly on the surface- was the vehicle. Briefly, The Dwarf didn’t know he was a dwarf, and was courting a princess, despite the fact that he was a 'gift' by a far away Sultan, to said Princess. Everyone always laughed at him, but he attributed this to his good character, and it uplifted him. He occasionally caught glimpses of his reflection in a sword or a dagger, and he thought it was a sinister spirit, following him - he didn’t realize that was himself. Ultimately, he actually saw a mirror and realized that he was the dwarf and died from heartbreak that he was this ugly all the while the princess kept mocking him. What makes it even more interesting is that the princess said she loved him and she apparently did and the dwarf said he loved her and he did, but she was also saying he was a beast, not a man. He couldn't live with this dichotomy. This is as I mentioned, a vehicle. There is more to this than 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. For you see, the dwarf was actually living very much in the same world as everyone else not knowing he was a dwarf. He did not afford himself the courtesy of being ugly nor would he have a given other people the courtesy of being ugly so he is a tragic character as well. What does this tell the viewers about who we are? Are we all in someways a dwarf, viewing others around us with Pity while we think we are beautiful? When we see our true selves, do we shatter? How can we not? What is the solution to the problem of our human condition? The answer is Love for ourselves, and love for others, despite imperfections. I couldn't help but think how one of my dear friends refers to dating as the Caste system, and dating out of your caste is problematic. Indeed, it's not just dating, it's our society. Only by looking at your reflection, and loving it, can you break free. I think this is the real message of the Dwarf. Musically, it was Lush, and I want to listen to more of this artist. He, like W Grant Still, write modernly without hurting my ears, and the orchestrations were grand scale, almost a sonic prelude to the great movies of the silver screen."

"First time attending an opera. El ultimo Sueño de Frida y Diego. Amazing performance, visually astonishing, great venue. Loved it."

"We went to the opening night for Don Giovanni, and it did not disappoint. It was the ideal date night that provided a chance to get really dressed up. It was also opening night for the 2023 season and the night of the Opera Ball, so it was extra fancy, hence the red carpet and velvet rope. (We wished we had gone to the ball, but the tickets were outrageously expensive. The event itself mainly cateres to the donors and big-ballers in the arts). The opera itself was long, 3 hours and 40 minutes, but so are most of them. It was funny and engaging, so it was bearable. I highly recommend experiencing at least one opera in one's lifetime. It's a great reprieve from daily life, the phone, TV, and all of the distractions. It's also a way to "go back in time" and see how common problems were handled. Plus, operas have a humorous way to look at the issues they deal with, such as love, deceit, murder, etc. Who doesn't like to laugh? Lastly, if you like to dress up formally, go to a night opening for the opera. That's when most people dress up the most. We've been to weekday operas, and the dress code is more casual. Another positive side to going on Saturdays, when opening nights take place, is that you don't have to worry about being up so late and wake up early for work since most people are off on the weekend. The Dorothy Chandler Pavillion itself is a beautiful, old building, which means there's not much room between the seats. I feel bad for tall people as their legs are almost touching the seat in front of them. My husband is 6'3", and that was his experience. I'm 5'5" and felt a bit cramped in high heels. Nonetheless, there is an intermission of 20 minutes, which goes by really fast. It helps to stretch and get that bio break to make it through the rest of the opera. It's a fairly small venue, so all seats are good. Our seats were on the balcony, and we could see the stage perfectly. We couldn't see the orchestra, but that's okay as we were there for the opera. The sound is impressive, especially considering the venue's age. Parking is on-site and inexpensive, $10. Access to the Pavillion is easy from the parking lot - just up the stairs and across the walkway. I am looking forward to our next opera as we have subscriber tickets for the season."

"Great cultural institution. Beautiful architecture, amazing programming and events. Parking is cash only, $10 per vehicle which is pretty decent for DTLA. Bar is ripoff; 20 bucks for a coffee and a diet coke. I scheduled an appointment with my Dr to have my brain checked next Thursday after paying for that ... Be advised: If you're 6ft tall, there is not enough legroom to unbend your knees beyond the squatting position. So be prepared to get a taste of flying economy on Spirit Airlines middle seat. I haven't tried it myself, but I've been told that the experience is exquisite. Try it for yourself ..."

"What amazing afternoon at the Opera. I don't understand Opera but it is pretty impressive to watch. The venue was stunning, parking was easy $9 in the garage below the building. I highly recommend to go early or stay after to walk around downtown I haven't been there for a while. It's about a half walk from the Disney concert hall which is impressive into itself. Plenty of places to dine. The show is very well organized They served snacks and drinks at intermission which are very expensive. I can't wait to go back."