Given the largely justified hand-wringing about the state of the arts in LA, I looked into the beleaguered Center Theatre Group’s upcoming season. For thirty years, the CTG has meant nothing to me but Michael Ritchie is gone, there’s a new guy in charge, Covid has left the arts reeling, and maybe it is time to give the 800-lb gorilla another look.
Or, maybe not. Four musicals, a puppet show, and Hamlet is innovation? Or maybe it is the Free Parking that comes with the subscription. That must be it. The Kirk Douglas which had the occasional hit among many misses is relegated two kiddie musicals.
The Onion called it nearly 20 years ago:
Our Global Food-Service Enterprise Is Totally Down For Your Awesome Subculture
Over the years I’ve seen so many bold, insightful, daring companies fold due to lack of audience, lack of attention, lack of money, and the exhaustion they bring. And yet, this large-assed Creosote lives off of what largesse is left.