Letter: There’s more to come at the Alex Theatre

It is hard to imagine a better place to live than Glendale. From the quality of schools to our beautiful neighborhoods and community institutions, we should all be proud of this place we call home.

One major reason to live and work in Glendale is the recently revived and energetic local arts scene, under the direction of Elissa Glickman, chief executive of Glendale Arts, which in turn runs the Historic Alex Theatre. After a major renovation in 2014, the Alex is back, bigger and better than ever. Let me remind you of what you missed if you weren’t there: Live Talks LA’s conversations with Martin Short and Steve Martin, and with John Cleese and Eric Idle; the Nicholas Brothers Tribute, rare footage of Fred Astaire and Michael Jackson dancing with the Nicholas Brothers and a creative multimedia presentation with a free history lesson and live celebrity appearances; “Billy Elliot,” a remarkable performance, Broadway-worthy; and the sold-out performance of the Beatles White Album played live by a world-class group of musicians.

Here’s what you will miss if you don’t hurry: the 10th annual Celebrate Dance or LA Ballet’s “Sleeping Beauty” and Arturo Sandoval Institute’s Save the Music 3, April 11 (shameless plug — I serve as president of ASI).

I hope all concerned citizens will do two things: Vote wisely to approve Measure O and urge the City Council to approve a measure for the additional city revenues to go to our city’s arts.

Let us continue the fine tradition that has been firmly established of Glendale as a mecca of fine arts and performance theater. Not only will it be good for the arts, it will be good for business and the city. In a word, it will be good for all of us.

Michael Velazquez
Glendale