Hollywood hotspot, Fig & Olive, was the perfect setting to host Doris Bergman’s 7th Annual Valentine Romance Lounge on Feb. 12, which honored the 87th Annual Academy Awards.
More than 100 of Hollywood’s finest turned out to honor the Oscar nominated actors, former winners, and stylists.
Among those in attendance were Danielle Brisebois (Oscar nominee for Original Song), Elise Robertson and Manette Patterson (Oscar nominated film “American Sniper”), and Kenny Chin (for Oscar nominated film “Birdman”). Others enjoying the event, presented by Pura d’or Hair Care and title sponsor, MD Sun Skin Care, included Melora Hardin (Golden Globe winning comedy “Transparent”), former Oscar nominees Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna, and Gregg Grunberg (“Star Trek”), who was thrilled by the offerings of custom clothier, Art Lewin.
And to add to the sweetness of gifting, all guests were encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped gift of clothing, electronic or sporting equipment, etc. to Wednesday’s Child, which sponsors teens in foster care aged 13-18.
Meanwhile, a huge cast of opera singers, acrobats, and skilled dancers, including a precious pink elephant, brought a spectacular spectacle to the Los Angeles Opera with their fabulous West Coast Premiere of “The Ghosts of Versailles” on Feb. 7.
This challenging work, part of the Figaro Trilogy by John Corigliano, with libretto by William Hoffman, received a 20-minute standing ovation. We particularly enjoyed the bitter-sweet performance by soprano Patricia Racette, whose regretful Marie Antoinette, made us sorry she lost her beautiful head.
The diverse array of cast members even featured Broadway babe Patti LuPone (“Evita”) as Samira the Egyptian singer, who enters atop the aforementioned pachyderm.
Kudos also go to Christopher Maltman, as the playwright Beaumarchais, whose passion for the deceased queen inspires him to bring her back to life, and of course, conductor James Conlon – exceptional as usual!
The story has too many layers to describe in detail. You must try to attend one of the remaining performances at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion before closing on March 1. It is an experience you will never forget!
