Gustavo Dudamel © Sylvia Lleli/LA Philharmonic
The talk of the performing arts world is Gustavo Dudamel’s debut season as Music Director for the LA Philharmonic. At only 28 years of age, he brings new blood and his characteristic dynamism to Walt Disney Concert Hall, and as a conductor, he charges up the audience only the way a rock star can. Dudamel conducts several times during the 2009-2010 season, so visit www.laphil.com for concert and ticket information.
L.A. LIVE, the city’s mega-entertainment complex, delivers yet again the glory of quintessential LA panache, this time with 140,000 feet of pure movie bliss. Regal Cinemas at L.A. LIVE debuted on October 27 with 14 advanced screenings of Michael Jackson’s “THIS IS IT” – appropriate given our fascination with the late pop star. One thing is certain about the new theaters: newer is better. Stadium seating, state-of-the-art sound, cutting-edge digital projection comprise Regal’s West Coast flagship theaters. What’d you expect? Leave it to LA to do movies the right way.
One of the biggest attractions in Los Angeles is sure to be concocting fun new things to do. With The Simpsons Ride launching into popularity, Universal Studios Hollywood has also upgraded the classic tram tour with HD monitors and revamped commentary from movie honchos such as Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard. The studio is now also home to The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, giving visitors an opportunity to see a taping of the popular show during their visit. If you want a laugh, head over to Universal CityWalk and check out the all-new Jon Lovitz Comedy Club.
Venice Skatepark is finally here, and skateboarders all across LA who have been eagerly awaiting the debut are rejoicing at what is being deemed skate park utopia. The $2 million project is all about bragging rights: 16,000 square feet and pristine, swimming pool-sized bowls to show off kicks, flips and ollies. Can’t make it to Venice? Check out LA’s other skateparks.
The legendary performing arts company of Cirque du Soleil arrives once again to Santa Monica – twirling, flipping and clowning away. For visitors, it’s an opportunity to experience KOOZA, a story about “The Innocent,” a loner soul searching through the imaginative world of Cirque du Soleil. Visit www.cirquedusoleil.com for ticket information.
It’s not every day that a world-class hotel opens up, but starting January 15, 2010, LA visitors have the opportunity to swank it up at W Hollywood Hotel. The location sits right on Hollywood Boulevard, complete with W’s signature Whatever/Wherever® service, a decked out Living Room and state-of-the-art SWEAT® workout gym. Of course, all of this is W’s chic and hip design.
Make no mistake, this is just a small chunk of LA’s new attractions. If these six can’t satisfy your thirst for LA newness, set your sights on the following:
- Laserium CyberTheatre: Newly redesigned with 424 seats at the former Vine Theatre
- Madame Tussauds Hollywood: Meet President Obama, Johnny Depp, Marilyn Monroe in Hollywood’s newest wax museum
- LA Zoo and Botanical Gardens Audio Tour: Discover the zoo’s most unique animals with an all-new audio tour.
- Pacific Park: This family favorite amusement park at Santa Monica Pier now features five new kids’ rides.
- L.A. LIVE’s Grammy Museum: Into music? Head to the all-new Grammy Museum, a sound-sensory experience with all-you-can-take, head-to-toe info about music.
- Links at Terranea: Golfers rejoice! The public course is one of LA’s most beautiful, sporting views of the Pacific and Catalina Island from 9 artful holes.
