LOVE ACTUALLY LIVE by Carol Kaufman Segal

           

 You may have seen the film, Love, Actually, written and produced by Richard Curtis for Universal Pictures that opened in theatres Nov. 3, 2003.  The movie is a romantic comedy that takes place in London during the Christmas season, and that has made it a staple to be shown somewhere every Christmas since. 

            

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills is featuring the world premiere of Love Actually Live in a most unusual production in collaboration with For the Record and by special arrangement with Universal Theatrical Group..  It is superbly adapted and directed by Anderson Davis

          

The scenic design by Mathew Steinbrenner is most unusual with multiple screens high up on the stage that show the scenes from the movie followed by live actors and singers who perform matching characters in the scenes.  Very unique and clever, to say the least, and so well done by the entire cast of nineteen, all who are superb singers and actors.  An outstanding 15-piece orchestra, conducted by Jesse Vargas, adds to the success of this outstanding musical.

           

Although I am not an aficionado of the film, Love Actually, this production is a dazzling musical extravaganza that gives it so much oomph.  I loved every minute of it.       

            

Performances are scheduled Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 PM., Saturdays at 2 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM and 7 PM, final showing Monday, Dec 31 at 8 PM at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills.  Tickets are available at the onsite theatre box office, online at TheWallis.org or by phone at (310) 746-4000.

           

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