Ford Theatres to feature new series named after Zev Yaroslavsky

The Ford Theatres in Hollywood is featuring a new performance series named after county Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky as part of its new 2013 summer season.

The season, which was announced this week, includes Mandy Patinkin with the Pasadena Pops, Complexions Contemporary Ballet and the Lula Washington Dance Theatre.

Last year, organizers announced that the Ford would undergo a multimillion-dollar renovation that would include new seating and resurfacing to prevent leaks. The reported price tag for this first stage of renovations was $7.5 million, with the money coming from the county. The Ford is run by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

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A spokeswoman for the Ford said that new seats will be in place in time for the summer, and that some water sealing has been completed. Upgrades are expected to resume in the next off-season, which begins in October.

The renovations have necessitated the temporary cessation of [Inside] the Ford, a series that presents new plays as well as works by prominent writers in the 87-seat space beneath the main amphitheater.

The new Zev Yaroslavsky Signature Series features two concerts to benefit the Ford Theatre Foundation. The series is to kick off June 9 with a concert featuring Patinkin performing popular songs and Broadway classics with the Pasadena Pops.

On Aug. 10, Complexions Contemporary Ballet and the Lula Washington Dance Theatre will team up for an evening performance.

Other highlights of the season include “Antics: Illuminated Manuscript” (June 7), a hip-hop dance theater performance; “Culture Shock Los Angeles: Roy Meets World” (June 28), a presentation of a variety of hip-hop dance styles; “Taikoproject: Rhythmic Relations 2013” (June 29), an evening of Japanese taiko drumming; “Grandeza Mexicana: Mexico: Mis Raices (My Roots)” (July 12 to 13), featuring Mexican folk dances.

The season also features the return of the L.A. dance company Viver Brasil (July 27) as well as the Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre (Aug. 24).

Here’s the full lineup for the Ford’s summer 2013 season.

ALSO:

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Ford Amphitheatre to close for $7.5 million in renovations

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