Gala Aims to Keep L.A. on Its Toes by Bringing Dance Back Again

Reviews of the Bolshoi Ballet’s production of “Don Quixote” may have been tepid, but the message from the opening night crowd at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion was clear: Angelenos love dance.

And there is no reason why they shouldn’t have it. Sure, there are lots of us with bruised egos and dented wallets who remember all the ill-starred efforts to launch a viable resident ballet company here. But that has not stopped the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County from trying again. (I remind you, dear hearts: That is the new moniker for the consortium of artists-formerly-known-as-the-Music Center. It has about as much chance of catching on as the name “I. Magnin” did when it bought Bullock’s Wilshire.) Liane Weintraub, chairman of the new support group, the Center Dance Assn., says she’s determined to return dance to the scene on a regular basis.

If the reception at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Wednesday evening was any indication, it just might work this time. The sold-out gala, sponsored by members of the Blue Ribbon, cost $250 per person. More than 650 people turned out for the bash. Guests were greeted by the Russian folk music group Limpopo, which took a few of the friskier Ribboneers--including event co-chair Felisa Vanoff--for a spin around the floor.

Upstairs in the Grand Hall, tables were arranged gulag dining-hall style for the Russian menu--smoked salmon, beef Stroganoff, and for dessert, strawberries Romanoff and fresh cheese with vodka-infused raisins.

It takes collaborative clout to pull off an engagement like the Bolshoi’s: the Blue Ribbon’s Vanoff and Patti Skouras; the center’s support group Associated Presentations headed by Alice Coulombe, and backing by Aetna and Boeing Co.

*

Garth Brooks’ eyes were misty as he announced his epiphany to the audience at the opening of the Hollywood Bowl’s 79th season on Friday.

“I talked to God today,” Brooks said. “It was the first time since my mom died nine months ago. My life had come to a standstill. I decided that today would be the last day that I talk about her death and the first of many when I talk about her life. . . . I really needed this night.” The sniffles in the crowd were audible.

The occasion marked his induction--along with composer John Williams--into the newly created Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame. David L. Wolper, impresario of the 1984 Olympiad, brought the USC Trojan band (in sunglasses) to reprise Williams’ composition, now the official U.S. Olympic theme.

Steven Spielberg, who presented the award to Williams, said: “I would not know how to make movies today without this gentleman. He’s been my brother and my father confessor.”

Sporting a white 10-gallon hat, Whoopi Goldberg inducted Brooks. Also present were Glen Campbell; Richard Dreyfuss; L.A. Opera baritone Rodney Gilfry; violinist Gil Shaham; jazz singer Nancy Wilson, who also appeared at the West Angeles Counseling Center’s benefit later that evening; Penn & Teller; Jeff Goldblum; Christina Aguilera; Charlize Theron; the young South Central L.A. musicians, Sweet Strings; and an awesome fireworks finale. All of it was held together by the Bowl orchestra’s unflappable conductor, John Mauceri.

Anthon S. Cannon Jr. chaired the gala committee, with assistance from William Barrett Jr., David Glickman, Angelo Mozilo, William Simon and Marc Staenberg. The gala, a major fund-raiser for the Hollywood Bowl Fund, is a departure from the summer subscription series--no hefty picnic hampers, candelabra or rolling wine bottles. Instead, a gourmet dinner was served in the boxes, which ranged in price from $800 to $5,000 for four. There seemed to be an artier crowd than usual at this event, including several members of the Young Musicians and Ella Fitzgerald foundations, who came, said one, “because these artists are legends.”

*

Patt Diroll’s column is published Tuesdays. She can be reached at pattdiroll@earthlink.net.